Just read in a rather trustworthy mag that Freddy Loix would drive for the Hyundai team next year as first pilot.

Second pilot would be ... one of my heroes: Juha Kankunnen ! (how fast do we Scooby folks forget eh :) )

Which begs the questions: who will turn out the lights at Mitsu ? :( What will happen to sponsor Marlboro (follow Loix) ? What happens to Alistair ?

Can any of you backup/deny this news bit ?

Theo

Well alastair is going to Mitsi. Juha is No 3 doing 8 rallies on gravel. No2 at Hyundai is Scwhartz I think.
As for Subaru ,heard this morning they may sign Didier if Burns does go to peugot which seems very likely.

Chip.

The two nominated Hyundai drivers for all 14 rounds are Freddy Loix and Armin Schwarz. The rules for the 2002 WRC dictate that the manufacturer must (save in exceptional circumstances - illness, accident) nominate the same drivers for all the rounds. Juha Kankunnen has been nominated for the 9 gravel rounds.

Freddy was aiming for the Subaru seat but Subaru doesn't want the Marlboro colours.
Freddy grabbed a seat at Huynday but Marlboro didn't want to sponsor Hyunday so Freddy and Marlboro have split up.
The latest rumours are that Marlboro is still trying to get the Subaru deal. (wich would mean Makinen will drive under Marlboro again) It would be a pity for Loix if they do get it: he would have missed out a seat at one of the best teams and he lost the biggest sponsor. I hope Subaru doesn't change their colours!

Oh and the Mitsu drivers are Alister Mcrae and Delecour (without Marlboro) IIRC.