Where will Colin (and others) be driving in 2003? (merged)

SJ Spode · 12 Apr 2002, 08:21 (Ref:257911)

This week's Autosport reports Colin McRae saying that he wishes to remain in the WRC after his current contract with Ford finishes at the end of this year, but he'll make his decision as to whether to remain with Ford depending on their competitiveness come decision time.

So will Colin move from the Blue oval? Is there anywhere else to go?

Alpina · 12 Apr 2002, 10:21 (Ref:257952)

Colin would always give Subaru a chance as he was so happy there. I can't see Mcrae and Makkinen in the same team however.

AndyF · 12 Apr 2002, 10:25 (Ref:257957)

I reckon Ford will be happy to renew his contract, and depending on his performances this year, I think he will stay with them in 2003 and beyond.

SJ Spode · 12 Apr 2002, 10:40 (Ref:257972)

I wondered about Subaru, particularly if Tommi decides not to continue next year (he'll probably retire if he becomes Champion).

Perhaps Citroen as they'll be running a full programme in '03.

Otherwise it looks like Ford again

Speeddemon555 · 13 Apr 2002, 00:53 (Ref:258578)

I would like to see Colin joining his younger brother Alister in a Mitsubishi Lancer.

Alpina · 13 Apr 2002, 02:28 (Ref:258624)

I am sure that Andrew Cowan would love Colin to join but I don't think Mitsubishi have the money for Colin.

f1manoz · 13 Apr 2002, 02:37 (Ref:258625)

Colin could have his pick of manufacturers, but it will come down to who can afford him.

Ford will probably be anxious to keep him.

Subaru would like to have Colin back if Tommi retires (surely that isn't too far off now...) Colin would have fond memories of his time there too so a return could be possible.

Other than that, the manufacturers (Mitsubishi, Citroen et al) probably couldn't afford him.

**touringlegend** · 13 Apr 2002, 07:44 (Ref:258708)

I'd think it'd be Ford that'll keep him next year, because I don't see him fitting in at any other team at all:

Peugeot: I don't know if they need more very good drivers !
Subaru: Makinen wouldn't be happy?
Citroen: Only make I could see Colin jumping ship to.

As for the rest, I don't think they have the budget for McRae.

Liz · 14 Apr 2002, 00:24 (Ref:259432)

Perhaps he will not be driving. Perhaps he will have one huge off too many and he will swap seats with Nicky.

imull · 15 Apr 2002, 16:55 (Ref:261265)

i reckon peugot

SJ Spode · 16 Apr 2002, 08:05 (Ref:261803)

Quote:

Originally posted by imull
i reckon peugot

In place of who?? & can you see Burns and McRae on the same team !!!!!!!!!!!!!

SJ Spode · 16 Apr 2002, 16:14 (Ref:262278)

Autosport.com are reporting Colin McRae as saying he would accept a pay cut if it meant getting into the best car in the World Rally Championship.

"I would like to stay at Ford if I can," McRae told the Sunday Mirror. "But the Focus is not yet competitive on tarmac. I need to make sure I'm in the best possible car next year, but getting into the best car might mean not being the best paid."

Might make a Citroen deal more likely????

Riceboy · 16 Apr 2002, 18:25 (Ref:262383)

Quote:

Originally posted by Alpina
I am sure that Andrew Cowan would love Colin to join but I don't think Mitsubishi have the money for Colin.

They had the money for Makkinen....

andrew_marsden · 16 Apr 2002, 18:48 (Ref:262401)

He'll probably still be in Ford but it would be nice to see him back Subaru, the history he has with them is of a quality

SJ Spode · 24 Apr 2002, 15:51 (Ref:269492)

The story surfaces again....

Both Carlos Sainz and Colin McRae are thought to be looking at abandoning their Focus WRCs for pastures new when their current contracts expire at the end of the year.

Both drivers have been linked to Citroen, while McRae is also rumoured to have talked to Subaru.

But as the story eminates from Autosport it's probably just speculation

OVERSTEER · 24 Apr 2002, 18:16 (Ref:269611)

This is how i'd like it to work out for 2003

Subaru
Colin Mcrae
Petter Solberg

Ford
Alistair Mcrae or Mark Higgins
Markko Martin
Francois Duval

Peugeot
Richard Burns
Marcus Gronholm
Harri Rovenpera

Mitsubishi
Francois Delecour
Armin Schartz

Citroen
Carlos Sainz
Philippe Bugalski

Hyundai
Freddy Loix
I'd love it for Martin Rowe to get a shot, but it's not likely, otherwise I haven't got a clue

Skoda
Tapio Laukkenen
Toni Gardemeister

imull · 25 Apr 2002, 00:00 (Ref:269913)

Oops, sorry SJ Spode,

15/4 neatly cooincides with me returning from my mates 21st. I would hate to see McRae at Pug becuase I cant stand the though of that greasy little turd Provera having a monopoly on teh best drivers.

I meant to say Citroen. I don't think he will stay at Ford and Citroen are the only cr capable of taking it to Pug on tarmac. McRae can take the fight to any car on gravel...

AndyF · 25 Apr 2002, 07:16 (Ref:270053)

That's an interesting idea OVERSTEER, but I would think that the 3rd & 4th drivers for Hyundai and Skoda would be in with a shout of more drives + this leaves Ford with three average drivers.

FG1 · 25 Apr 2002, 07:30 (Ref:270056)

Quote:

Originally posted by OVERSTEER
This is how i'd like it to work out for 2003

Subaru
Colin Mcrae
Petter Solberg

Well, I for one would be sorry to see Tommi move on so quickly.

FG

SJ Spode · 25 Apr 2002, 08:25 (Ref:270082)

Quote:

Originally posted by FG1

Well, I for one would be sorry to see Tommi move on so quickly.

I agree but it will depend on TM's motivation. I think that if (& I know it's unlikely) he was to win the Championship this year I'm sure he'd retire, but if he doesn't it'll depend on his assessment of Subaru's chances in 2003 - particularly with Citroen in all year.

OVERSTEER · 25 Apr 2002, 08:53 (Ref:270097)

TM will retire at the end of this year IMO, he clearly doesn't have the hunger that he had a few years ago.

Speeddemon555 · 25 Apr 2002, 14:33 (Ref:270390)

There is no denying that Ford could lose Colin McRae and Carlos Sainz next year. Autosport reported that Citroen could be bringing both McRae and Sainz into their program and also rumors have surface that Colin maybe going back to Subaru to team up with Makinen and Solberg. If both drivers leave Ford, Marko Martin and Francois Duval will be the top drivers for the blue oval bunch next year. If Citroen picks up McRae and Sainz, where will Loeb, Bulgaski and Radstrom go?

Neil B · 25 Apr 2002, 16:32 (Ref:270483)

Would it be bad to suggest that someone gives Colin a Tonka?

FG1 · 25 Apr 2002, 17:51 (Ref:270568)

Quote:

Originally posted by OVERSTEER
TM will retire at the end of this year IMO, he clearly doesn't have the hunger that he had a few years ago.

We shall see.

Having won in a Subaru in his first time out, and being on the podium the only other finish this year you can't say he's not trying. He is still learning the car. I wouldn't be suprised to see him around for a year or two yet.

He's obviously a lot happier than he was at Mitsubishi!!

FG

OVERSTEER · 25 Apr 2002, 20:15 (Ref:270695)

I don't think Tommi is going to win any more titles. It's down to Marcus to take the mantle as the top Finn out there.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Q2 Monza 2003 (merged)	Damon	Formula One	155	14 Sep 2003 10:33
So who will be 2003 BTCC Champion (merged)	touringlegend	Touring Car Racing	34	7 Sep 2003 21:37
Predictions WRC 2003 - Champion driver and manufacturer (merged)	SJ Spode	Rallying & Rallycross	30	10 Feb 2003 17:43
CART In Europe In 2003 (Merged)	SALEEN S7R	ChampCar World Series	159	6 Dec 2002 20:58