McRae to Citroen rumour resurfaces.

Despite Sebastien Loeb confidently leading the French manufacturer to its second World Rally Championship success last weekend in Germany, Colin McRae's name continues to be linked to a possible berth at Citroen next season.

The Scot, whose 2002 title hopes took a battering on the previous round in Finland, is out of contract at Ford at the end of the year and, with the Cumbria-based M-Sport team thought to be weighing the cost of two top line drivers - McRae and Carlos Sainz - against money that could be spent on development, is reportedly considering an offer to lead Citroen in its first full WRC campaign.

Desperate to add to his 1995 world title, McRae admitted to Britain's Daily Telegraph that he was unlikely to wait for an offer from Ford for 2003.

"It would be a shame to leave [Ford], but if they can't come up with anything solid soon that may be the case," he said, "If a good offer [from another team] comes along, it would have to be considered.

"My primary reason for joining a new team is to ensure that I had the car and package to bring me another world title - I don't have too many years to mount a serious challenge in the championship and I have to make sure I have a car capable of taking on the Peugeots."

If he does agree terms with Citroen - a sister brand to Peugeot - McRae is likely to be partnered with rising French star Loeb.