SEAT scotches return rumours

Gossip on the Catalunya Rally last weekend hinted that a fresh television deal in Spain had allowed SEAT to negotiate a deal with fuel giant Repsol that made world rallying a viable proposition once again. Works Cordobas have not been seen on WRC events since the team withdrew its official involvement at the end of last season.

But well-placed sources within SEAT insist that the firm has only committed to a four-event programme with semi-works Cordobas. Catalunya was the second of those outings, and Salvador Canellas ran in the top 10 until he crashed out on the second morning. Only Argentina and one more, as-yet-unspecified event are scheduled.

"We took a decision to leave and we're sticking to it," said Autosport.com's source. "It might be one or two years before SEAT re-enters a major motorsport arena, and even then it might not be rallying. The rumour is a rumour and nothing more."

If SEAT is contemplating a return to rallying, autosport.com understands that it is more likely to take another year, continue work on the Leon World Rally Car (started just prior to the involvement being axed) and enter the 2003 series.