McRae splits with co-driver Grist

COLIN McRAE has split with co-driver Nicky Grist after admitting their in-car relationship had been strained for over a year, it was announced last night.

McRae will be partnered by fellow Scot Derek Ringer, with whom he won his world title in 1995, for the final two rallies of this season in Australia and Britain.

‘‘This is a joint decision by myself and Nicky,’’ said McRae, who is leaving Ford at the end of this season to join Citroen.

‘‘Our in-car relationship has been strained for the past 12 months or so and after long discussions we’ve decided that a change is the best way forward for both of us.

‘‘Neither of us wish to go into specific details but this is an amicable parting and myself and Nicky have today informed Ford Rally Sport of our decision,” McRae said yesterday.

‘‘Since we joined forces in 1997, we’ve won 17 world rallies with two different teams and enjoyed some great moments. I wish Nicky well for the future and thank him for his support over the past six seasons.

‘‘I would like to finish the year, and my career with Ford, in a positive fashion and that means going all out for victory in Australia and Britain.

‘‘My thoughts are now focused on those two rallies and I’m looking forward to Derek helping myself and Ford to a successful end of the season.’’

Welshman Grist said: ‘‘Having made the decision to split, we have decided it is better to make it immediate and have Derek alongside Colin for the final two rounds of this year’s championship in preparation for next season.

‘‘I have not yet thought about my future and I’ll take time to assess my options. Co-driving is still a strong possibility and I would like to stress that this decision does not signify my retirement from the sport.’’

Ringer has been released from his contract with Mitsubishi. He joined McRae in his junior days in the sport and the pair rose to the top, winning the 1995 world title on the final round in Britain.

The duo ended their partnership after the 1996 season when 34-year-old McRae linked up with Grist, but the duo have been unable to land the world title while with Subaru or after the switch to the Ford Focus.