Makinen to quit Mitsubishi?

Rumours abound that Tommi Makinen is on the verge of quitting long-time partner Mitsubishi in order to revive his world championship hopes.

The Finn has struggled to match former glories in recent years, when the Japanese marque insisted on taking on the new crop of WRC machines with an updated GpA Lancer. Ironically, Mitsubishi finally introduced its own WRC entry for last weekend's San Remo Rally, but it does not appear to have been enough to tempt Makinen to stay.

Makinen to quit Mitsubishi?

Rumours abound that Tommi Makinen is on the verge of quitting long-time partner Mitsubishi in order to revive his world championship hopes.

The Finn has struggled to match former glories in recent years, when the Japanese marque insisted on taking on the new crop of WRC machines with an updated GpA Lancer. Ironically, Mitsubishi finally introduced its own WRC entry for last weekend's San Remo Rally, but it does not appear to have been enough to tempt Makinen to stay.

The four-time world champion is understood to have spoken to both Subaru and Citroen in recent weeks, with the emerging French marque looking favourite to sign him, perhaps even as soon as for next year. A world championship run would then have to wait another season, however, as Citroen continues to build up its participation in the series. It will contest just seven of the 14 rounds scheduled for 2002. Makinen was also reported as having fixed up a test with Subaru, however, as he continues to hedge his bets.

Ironically, the Finn could yet win the 2001 WRC title, as he goes into the final three rounds neck-and-neck with Ford's Colin McRae.

With the Mitsubishi WRC likely to gain ground on its rivals given testing and development, the seat alongside Freddy Loix is expected to attract much attention.

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