Frustration grows for McRae

Mitsubishi’s Alister McRae admits he is feeling “incredibly frustrated” over his enforced absence from the Network Q Rally of Great Britain.

The Scotsman will miss the event which gets under way in Cardiff on Thursday because of a liver injury he suffered in a mountain biking accident earlier this year.

McRae bruised his liver when he landed heavily on his back in a fall during the run-up to the San Remo Rally, forcing him to retire after the start of that event and also miss rallies in New Zealand and Australia as well as his home race later this week.

Although McRae feels fine, he has been ordered not to race by doctors because sudden movement could harm his liver.

“It’s been a complete disaster for me ever since September,” admitted McRae, who is currently recuperating in Australia.

“Every time you think you’re ready to come back you get another setback.

“But to miss the last round when it’s your home event as well is incredibly frustrating.

“It’ll mean that when Monte Carlo starts next year I won’t have competed since the first day of San Remo.”

With Jani Paasonen still standing in for the injured McRae, Justin Dale has been given the opportunity to compete in Rally GB in the third works Mitsubishi.

McRae wishes the 2002 British Super 1600 champion well but warned: “It’s going to be really difficult for Justin.

“He’s been driving Super 1600s all year and now he’s trying to step up to a world rally car, and on an event where conditions can be really difficult as well.”

“He’s got a new car and a new team to cope with – and he’s got very little previous four-wheel-drive experience as well.

“I wish him all the luck in the world – it’s a great opportunity for any young driver to get a works car, and this is clearly a chance he just couldn’t turn down.”