Mmmm.. Nicky Grist & Colin McRae part ways...

Colin McRae has split with his co-driver Nicky Grist with immediate effect.

The Scot will be partnered for the final two rallies of the season by Derek Ringer, the co-driver who guided McRae to his 1995 world title.

The move follows the end of McRae\'s slim 2002 title hopes, when he crashed out of the Rally New Zealand last weekend.

"This is a joint decision by myself and Nicky," said McRae. "Our in-car relationship has been strained for the last 12 months or so, and after long discussion 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."

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 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."

McRae and Grist have been partners since 1997 after Ringer was sacked by Prodrive boss David Richards. McRae had suffered a number of crashes in his Subaru during \'96.

McRae is switching to Citroen next year and would like to end his Ford career on a high in the final two rallies of the season in Australia and Britain. He and Grist claimed 17 rally victories in five years together at Subaru and Ford.


One wonders how Codemasters feel about this change so close to the release of CMR 3
seems that even since the rally GB last year when McRae crashed out that the pair were rumoured to be splitting..  
looks like this was the last straw for the pair of them. also McRae will be driving for Citroen next year.

I\'m hopefull that Grist will stay in the sport and hopefully find another drive for next year.

Also Valentino Rossi (MotoGP 500 Champion) has got a drive for this years Rally GB,
might be interesting to see how competitive he is.

[GmanJoe]

Oh my! I wonder what happened.

"30 left" Nicky

*Ford Focus flies off road*

"30 left AFTER 20 right....sorry old man." Nicky

[Kurt Angle]

I heard about this, and I was quite suprised they had parted company.

It will be interesting to see how things go for them both next year.

I am not that big into watching this kidn of racing.. but I must admit I do like the cars and I do like it.

Valentino Rossi is also going to test with BAR Honda Lets hope he\'s fast then maybe we\'ll see him in Formula One

[Kurt Angle]

Max Biaggi tested Michael Schumacher\'s car last year and he was pretty fast.

People who race on two wheels seem to adapt pretty well to four wheel racing. Look at Aaron Slight (World superbikes to British touring cars).

yeah i was shocked.....i heard nicky was gonna go with another team/driver..... but cant remember who.....


dont think cm will worry to much, as it is a game for this years rallies etc....

[Titan]

:shocked: I never would have guessed. Thanks Stanzo. I wonder why they split. But hey, they are probably still friends.