Radstrom under pressure to perform

The French team will launch its first full assault on all 14 World Rally Championship rounds next year and Frequelin had said recently that McRae or Sainz - who are coming to the end of their current contracts with Ford - could be the ideal big-name stars to beef up Citroen's attack.

But in this week's AUTOSPORT magazine, Frequelin said he believes gravel expert Radstrom could yet keep his seat - provided the Swede performs well on the loose surface rallies in Greece, Kenya and Finland.

"There is still a possibility for Thomas next year," said Frequelin. "If it turns out that he performs as well as anyone else over the coming events, why shouldn't we keep him?"

Frequelin was said to be furious with Radstrom when he retired from last year's Acropolis Rally, and his accidents in Sweden and Spain this year didn't help his cause either.

"It all depends on results," added Frequelin. "If Thomas doesn't turn out the be as quick as we'd hoped, then yes, we'll look at other drivers. Colin and Carlos are the only two that are clearly out of contract - although there might be others we could talk to - so we'd obviously consider them. I'm sure Ford will think the same though."

Another driver rumoured to be on Citroen's wish-list is Subaru hotshoe Petter Solberg, but Frequelin was cool on the idea of signing the Norwegian next year.

"I don't think Petter is free for 2002," he said. "As far as I'm concerned Petter is not available until 2004 at the earliest."

So what has Radstrom got to do on the remaining events to impress his boss?

"I think that the Acropolis, Safari and Finland will be hard for us because of our lack of experience," conceded Frequelin. "Top five would be good in Greece and I'd be delighted with a podium, and I just want to finish the Safari."