Motorsport: McRae moves to Mitsubishi

Alister McRae will drive for Mitsubishi in the World Rally Championship for the next two seasons.

The 30-year-old younger brother of former world champion Colin McRae joins the team from Hyundai.

He has spent two years developing the company’s Accent rally car and is looking forward to further developing Mitsubishi’s Lancer WRC car.

McRae said: ‘‘For me this is a very exciting time and I’m very much looking forward to working with Mitsubishi.

‘‘The team clearly is one that knows how to succeed, as four drivers’ and one manufacturers’ championship demonstrates.

‘‘And for next year, I’m sure we can help develop the car further and win rallies and more championships in the future.’’

French driver Francois Delecour also joins Mitsubishi, who recently lost four-times champion Tommi Makinen who was critical of the new Lancer after its debut in the San Remo Rally earlier this month to Subaru next season.

Delecour will be driving for a third team in as many years, the 39-year-old having driven for Peugeot and Ford in the previous two years.

Team chairman Andrew Cowan told the team’s website, www.ralliart.com: ‘‘Alister has an enormous amount of experience and has already demonstrated his ability and determination.’’

‘‘We are looking forward to seeing him develop the car and achieve the success we believe he is capable of.

‘‘I personally feel that the combination of Francois and Alister will help the team move forward into a new era of success in the World Rally Championship.’’