Makinen withdraws from Argentina.

The 555 Subaru World Rally team has announced that Tommi Makinen has been withdrawn from YPF Rally Argentina.

Makinen had been looking good prior to SS8, when he was running second, however gearbox problems in that test and the in subsequent one dropped him way down the leader-board, over 10 minutes off the frontrunners.

Although he recovered to 13th overall after leg 2 yesterday, even a points-finish today looked unlikely.

"As there was no opportunity for him to fight for the lead of the event anymore, the team and Tommi decided that the best policy for Leg two was to carry on, see what happened to the cars ahead, and do some testing ahead of Greece," said team principal, David Lapworth. "Last night, after a day of useful testing and taking into account the relatively low rate of attrition, we decided with Tommi to withdraw his car from the event."

"I was very disappointed as the car felt so good on the first day," added Makinen. "I go home very confident about the set-up and my chances of a good result in Greece, which I hope will be a better rally for me."