Hirvonen signs for Subaru

Finland's Mikko Hirvonen will drive for Subaru in the world rally championship next year as a replacement for stricken Briton Richard Burns. The 23-year old, who was released by Ford this year under new rules limiting teams to two drivers, will partner No

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Image credit: TNT Sports

The decision dashed the hopes of former champion Colin McRae, who had hoped to return to the team with which he won the title in 1995, and left Britain without a driver in rallying's top category.

"We're very excited to have signed Mikko. He's a very talented young driver and we have the resources to provide him with the best car and team to help him develop his full potential," team boss David Lapworth said in a statement.

"We've been following the progress of many young drivers and we hope this is the first of a number of initiatives with which Subaru will be involved in 2004."

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Burns, the 2001 world champion, had been due to partner Norway's world champion Petter Solberg at Subaru next year but was ruled out after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

"This is such a fantastic opportunity for me and I'm delighted I'm going to be driving for the team next year," said the Finn. "There's so much that I want to achieve as a driver in the WRC and I know Subaru's the team to help me do that. I just can't wait to get in the car and get going."

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