The search for the next generation of British rally talent is renewed as applications have now opened for the latest intake to the MSA's British Rally Elite training scheme. The submission period for applications will run until Friday January 23 2009.

The MSA programme is tailored to provide the extra skills required for talented competitors to be able to make it to the very top level of the sport – the World Rally Championship. It has helped develop the careers of some of the best young drivers and co-drivers in the UK, providing advanced training in areas such as sport psychology, fitness, nutrition, strength and conditioning, media skills, and event preparation.

Each year the scheme has been oversubscribed, and any young British competitors who are serious about moving forward in their competitive career are being urged to apply for inclusion early. Those who have applied previously and not been accepted are also being asked to try once again, with a year more of experience possibly making all the difference to the strength of their application.

The successful applicants for 2009 will once again be chosen by a selection panel consisting of training experts and motorsport luminaries.

The MSA have confirmed that the 2009 Pirelli Euro Shoot Out nominee will be a competitor from the Elite scheme who is registered for the British Rally Championship. However, they may also consider scheme drivers competing in FST International and anyone not on the Elite scheme who is nominated for the Pirelli UK Final.

To be accepted onto the scheme drivers must be aged between 17 and 25 on January 1 2009, while co-drivers must be aged between 16 and 25 on January 1 2009. Applicants must hold a valid British passport and an MSA competition licence, and have demonstrated notable success within their respective rally championship or series during 2008. The application process will be via an online application form on the scheme website www.msabritishrallyelite.co.uk.