SEAT trio head-to-head in Italy

The Spanish WRC newcomers will prepare a trio of the increasingly impressive Evo II Cordoba's for Toni Gardemeister, Piero Liatti and Harri Rovanpera.

Liatti had always been guaranteed a place in the line-up for his home event, but after Gardemeister's stunning drive to third on his debut in New Zealand, there was speculation that Rovanpera may be ousted from the squad to make way for his fellow Finn.

Although there is space in the line-up for all three drivers in Italy, their positions for 2000 are less clear. SEAT had hoped to sign Tommi Makinen, but the triple champion will now stay at Mitsubishi. Having declared their intention to sign 'one of the top three drivers in the world' for next season, their main target would now appear to be Carlos Sainz.

The Spaniard is unlikely to stay at Toyota unless the team commits to a long-term rally programme, and the prospect of joining the 'home' team could prove attractive.

Gardemeister is thought likely to stay on, although both he and Rovanpera have also been the subject of interest from other teams. Liatti's future is less certain, although pitting all three drivers head-to-head in San Remo could be a useful guide for SEAT as the team tries to select its 2000 drivers.