Colin McRae's hopes of an extended WRC return with the Kronos Citroen team have been dashed, as Marc van Dalen's equipe announced that Xavier Pons would occupy the second blue Xsara in place of the injured Sebastien Loeb in Australia next weekend.

While McRae struggled on his return to the cockpit after nearly a year away from the WRC, Pons - a Kronos driver since the start of the season - came as close to a podium place as anyone, leading the Belgian operation to give him another chance 'down under'. The Spaniard will now partner Dani Sordo in the Kronos line-up, with championship leader Loeb unable to return to action following his recent mountain bike accident.

Despite an disappointing start to the season, van Dalen and Citroen Sport director Guy Frequelin have found new faith in Pons' ability to bring home some points in Australia, where he will be partnered by regular co-driver Carlos del Barrio. With McRae failing to score, and Pons not nominated, in Turkey last weekend, Sordo was left to carry the team's hopes, but managed just seventh place.

Loeb's injured arm has yet to heal sufficiently to risk a competitive return, but he has at least begun exercising following an operation to reset the break in humerus. He is due to have further x-rays to determine the extent of his progress next week, and could yet return to the #1 Citroen to defend is lead against Marcus Gronholm in New Zealand.