The Subaru World Rally Team look set to announce Richard Burns' replacementꦬ on Monday according to reports in the media, and currently Colin McRae's chances of securingಞ the drive 'do not look good'.

WRC boss, David �꧒�Richards, who also owns the Prodrive concern that runs the SWRT, said yesterday that the situation is not looking promising, with costs on the increase next year following the addition of two extra rounds in Japan and Mexico. This situation means that McRae may just be to expensive.

Richards told Reuters: "I believe that as faꦜr as Subaru is concerned, they have made their decision - and it is based on the financial situation of operating for next year.

"But hopefully all is not lost because there are a number of people, commercial sponsors, who want to ♛see him [McRae] back in the championship and maybe that can be resolved.

"My understanding is ♐that, based upon the financial situation and the costs of the championship which have incre🥂ased next year, it doesn't look good at the moment."

"From my per𒁏spective there is o🔯nly one driver who should be in that car, and in the championship, and that's Colin," added Richards, "The team have to make the decision [though] and Subaru have to ultimately agree that with the team.

"There i꧒s no question that Colin is one of the key ingredients that put Subaru on the map in the first place and it would be extraordinary for them to get him back drivꦫing for them in the championship. But clearly that is a decision that has got lots of other implications."

McRae, who won the championship for Subaru in 1995, will learn his fate today, after Subaru team boss, David Lapworth meets with high-ranking members of the Japanese manufacturer in Monaco to finalise who will partneꦦr Petter Solberg.

An official announcement from the Banbury based squad 💝is expec🌠ted Monday.

The closing date for entries🌟 for the Monte Carlo Rally♑ - the opening round of the 2004 WRC, is December 17.