MSA unveils British Rally Elite programme to find 'the next
Burns and McRae'
The Motor Sports Association, the governing body of motor
sport in the UK, has unveiled a scheme to provide assistance
to British rally drivers and co-drivers aiming to follow in
the footsteps of former World Rally Champions, Richard Burns
and Colin McRae.
Led by former World Rally Champion co-driver Robert Reid,
MSA British Rally Elite is an ongoing programme to identify
the most promising British talent at the top of the national
rallying scene for nurture and support as potential future
champions. The scheme has been developed in association with
some of the most respected names in British rallying and will
be operated in partnership with the Sports Science Department
at Edinburgh University.
Applicants are invited to apply online at www.msabritishrallyelite.co.uk
and those selected for the scheme will embark on a two-year
programme of training and development. The course content
will ensure that the UK's most promising talents will be in
the best possible shape both mentally and physically to take
advantage of the opportunities that present themselves on
the world stage.
Colin Hilton, Chief Executive of the MSA:
"It is essential that Britain is properly represented
at the highest level in all disciplines of motor sport. The
MSA is not government-funded, unlike some countries, so it
is not possible to assist individuals financially and buy
them competitive seats in the WRC. But what we can do is select
promising individuals, provide them with meaningful training
and development, and support their careers as they strive
to make it to the top.
"We have been working on the development of this programme
for over a year and I am delighted with the outcome. It is
particularly pleasing to witness the support from the wider
rallying community for the initiative and that can only help
to make it a success."
Robert Reid, MSA British Rally Elite Performance
Director:
"It became clear about 18 months ago that Richard and
Colin's time at the top of the WRC was coming to a close,
but the new generation seemed to be from other countries.
We all felt that something had to be done to give our guys
the best chance to fight on the world stage.
"To be a top class sportsman these days requires more
than simply talent. The leading athletes in any sport have
the all-round skills that enable them to overcome equally
talented opponents. It's about mental ability, psychology,
physical preparation and personal development.
"I'm really excited about this whole project and I genuinely
feel that we can help to provide the best possible chances
for our drivers and co-drivers to make an impression on the
world stage."
David Lapworth, Subaru World Rally Team Director
and MSA British Rally Elite panel member:
"As a works WRC team, we need drivers who are ready
to get in and drive at the highest level with no further personal
development needed. The UK does not currently deliver such
people and I am delighted to be involved with the MSA British
Rally Elite programme in order to start to address this issue."
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