Could Delecour be Hyundai's answer?

Despite rumours that his international rally career may be over following his surprising sacking by Peugeot yesterday, Francois Delecour may yet find himself a drive via the laws of supply and demand.

The fiery Frenchman was released by Peugeot immediately after the Rally of Great Britain, following a series of rows with team-mates and management on previous events. With many of the leading works seats already occupied for 2001, it would at first appear that Delecour may have to return to his national series, although one or two openings still exist in the WRC.

The most interesting of these is with Hyundai, the team with which Delecour tested back in October. Although innocent at the time - the team was testing close to his home, and Delecour obtained permission from Peugeot to drive the Accent - the link may now provide the Frenchman with a world championship lifeline.

Hyundai has made no secret of its intention to bring a tarmac specialist into the fold for 2001, to complement the loose surface talents of Kenneth Eriksson and Alister McRae. Neither driver has been confirmed for next season - indeed, it is suggested that Eriksson may be on his way into retirement - and Delecour's sudden availability may add another name to the mix.

The other suggestion doing the rounds is that Eriksson would split his commitment with a recognised tarmac ace, and Delecour is not the only one on offer. With Bruno Thiry signing for Skoda last week, Jesus Puras remains among the favourites for the job.

Neither Hyundai or Delecour was available for comment at the time of writing.