World Rally champion Tommi Makinen has signed a two-year contract with Subaru. The four-time Finnish champion was expected to join Citroen from Mitsubishi, but was made an offer from Subaru which he said he simply could not refuse.
“I felt it was time for a change, and I’m delighted that Subaru has given me this fantastic opportunity. The team has a clear concept of how to win the WRC, and I’m proud that I’m going to be part of that,” said Makinen.
Subaru spokesman David Lapworth has expressed the team’s delight at securing the services of Makinen. “No driver even comes close to matching Tommi’s record of achievements over the last five years. When he joins us next season the sky is the limit on what we can achieve as a team. Tommi will be the perfect team leader and it will be our primary goal to make him World Champion in 2002.
Makinen currently shares the overall lead in this year’s championship with Colin McRae.
Filed by Tom Grealis
