Puras allowed to start Catalunya Rally

However, three privateer crews caught practising stages prior to the official recce have been thrown out of the rally, which starts on Friday from Lloret de Mar.

Puras, who is one of two asphalt specialists giving Citroen's new WRC car its debut on the world stage, was the subject of widespread allegations that he had conducted illegal recceing prior to the event. He admitted being found on a 'new' stage with pre-prepared pace notes, but insisted they had been produced based on prior knowledge of the road used.

The FIA is clamping down on illegal recceing and on Wednesday recommended to national sporting authorities that drivers and co-drivers caught in the act should be given a minimum one-year licence suspension. Puras was found with the pre-prepared notes in a spot check during the official recce.

After lengthy deliberations on the eve of the rally's start (Thursday), the stewards decided there was no case to answer and that no action should be taken.

Puras joins Frenchman Philippe Bugalski in a two-car attack by Citroen with its potent four-wheel drive Xsara T4. The duo are tipped as contenders for outright victory after the French marque dominated a number of warm-up events with the machine.

Click here for 'Jesus prays for Catalunya clearance'.