Ford Rallye Sport driver Colin McRae and co-driver Nicky Grist have decided
to part with immediate effect. Former co-driver Derek Ringer, with whom
34-year-old McRae won the 1995 world championship, will partner the Scot for the
final two rounds of this season’s FIA World Rally Championship in Australia
and Great Britain.
“This is a joint decision by myself and Nicky,” said McRae. “Our
in-car relationship has been strained for the past 12 months or so and after
long discussions we’ve decided that a change is the best way forward for both
of us. Neither of us wish to go into specific details but this is an amicable
parting and myself and Nicky have today informed Ford Rallye Sport of our
decision.”
“I would like to finish the year, and my career with Ford, in a positive
fashion and that means going all out for victory in Australia and Britain. My
thoughts are now focused on those two rallies and I’m looking forward to Derek
helping myself and Ford to a successful end of the season,” added McRae.
Grist said: “Having made the decision to split, we have decided it is
better to make it immediate and have Derek alongside Colin for the final two
rounds of this year’s championship in preparation for next season in a new
team. I have not yet thought about my future and I’ll take time to assess my
options. Co-driving is still a strong possibility and I would like to stress
that this decision does not signify my retirement from the sport.”
Ringer, also a Scot, has been released from his contract with Mitsubishi. He
joined McRae in his junior days in the sport and the pair rose to the top,
winning the 1995 world title on the final round in Britain. Their partnership
ended after the 1996 season.
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