McRae backs Tyrone's Meeke

Former world champion Colin McRae has backed Northern Ireland’s Kris Meeke to take the next step on his way to rally stardom.

Meeke is second in the junior world championship, which runs along side the senior series and is considered the breeding ground for future world-beaters.

The 25-year-old, from County Tyrone, heads to Sardinia this weekend just two points behind championship leader Guy Wilks with a 100% record so far this season.

Meeke won round one in Monaco but missed the trip to Mexico, with junior world championship regulations demanding a driver drops the points from one event in the eight-rally season.

McRae is convinced his protégé can keep up the winning run in Sardinia and go on to take the junior title, giving him a golden opportunity to step up to the senior series.

“Another good result in Sardinia will establish Kris at the top of the list of the world’s young rally drivers,” said McRae, who is advising Meeke on how to make the breakthrough.

“Kris is full of confidence right now. His win in Monte Carlo showed that he is gaining in stature and with all the testing he has done over the last few weeks he will be in the best possible shape for his second outing of the season.

“I know he will go well in Sardinia.”

Meeke, who drive for the Kronos Citroen team, is confident he has the ability to come out on top this year.

He said: “There are probably six or seven drivers who have a genuine shot at the championship.

“That said there is no question mark in my head that I have got what it takes to be the junior world rally champion.

“I’m heading to Sardinia feeling good and hopeful that I will be able to notch up another maximum points score.”