Wales Halts Rally GB Sponsorship
The Welsh Assembly Government has today withdrawn its sponsorship of the world championship Rally GB, due to be held 22-25 October, with immediate effect, apparently with no prior warning to the organisers International Motor Sports Limited. IMS has issued a statement saying that this is in breach of the existing contract for the period up to and including the 2011 Rally. "MSA has no alternative now but to commence proceedings for breach of contract against the Welsh Assembly Government. We are shocked and disappointed. The event has met and in many cases exceeded the key performance indicators laid down by the WAG". There is no further news at this time on this matter. The event has been held enitely within Wales since the 2000 event.

Solberg Tests Super 2000
Petter Solberg secretly tested an Abarth Grande Punto S2000 car in Italy on 7th March as part of an experience gaining exercise, to find out whether he could accept an invitation to contest the IRC Sata Rallye Acores (7-9 May). During Rally of Portugal Solberg said the chance of competing in Azores was only "50-50" and now it seems it will not happen. Meanwhile he goes to Argentina with renewed vigour. His doctors say that his viruses seem to be under control, his Xsara WRC has a new engine and heavy duty shock absorbers. After the first four rounds of the world championship, in which Petter has only driven three rallies, he is lying fifth overall.

Strange New Rule for Production Car Competitors
Some score points, some can't. The FIA has approved Rally Argentine's nomination of four extra "Guest" drivers in the PCWRC category of the rally, making the total of wildcard entries at six. This is the first time this new rule has been implemented since the World Council approved this on March 17th. Under an remarkable recent FIA ruling the four extra drivers, however, will not eligible to score PCWRC points although the two originally nominated Guest drivers (Marcos Ligato and Gabriel Pozzo) are. The four drivers affected are Mitsubishi Tango team members Alejandro Cancio (who finished best non-S2000 car on the IRC event in Brazil) and Nicolas Madero (winner of opening round of the national championship) and Barattero Subaru drivers Claudio Menzi (Safari Rally Group N winner in 2000) and Juan Marchetto (currently fifth in national standings).

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