McRae at forefront of Subaru plans

Subaru have begun negotiations with Colin McRae as they seek a replacement for another British driver, Richard Burns, in next year's World Rally Championship. McRae, who like Burns won the title driving for Subaru, has met team officials and is expected to have more talks this week.

Subaru contacted McRae, who is available after being released by Citroën, following the announcement that Burns would be taking a year out to undergo treatment for a brain tumour. Another candidate to partner Subaru's new world champion, Petter Solberg, is Markko Martin. Ford's financial problems continue to cast doubts over their participation next season and the Estonian is regarded as one of the most promising drivers in the WRC.

Subaru's team principal, David Lapworth, is an admirer of Martin, but McRae has support elsewhere in the organisation. At 35, McRae is still popular and could even team up with Burns's co-driver, Robert Reid. He would have to convince Subaru he has the motivation. Another problem could be money.

The Scotsman is committed to drive for Nissan in the Dakar Rally Raid, from 1 to 18 January, but he is available for the first round of the WRC, Monte Carlo, which starts five days later.