Six teams for 2008 season

The FIA is expected soon to confirm details of the six teams already entered for the 2008 world rally championship, this time with four full Manufacturer entries and two entries under the alternative Manufacturers Team category.

The arrival of Suzuki, to join Citroen, Ford and Subaru, has widened the range of different manufacturers of cars competing in the series, but this time only Ford, through the Stobart and Munchi's team, will also be represented by secondary entries.

Entry details are still provisional as Manufacturer Team (the old "M2") entries may be made until 31st March, when entries close for the sixth round of the series, Sardinia. This will be the fourth season in which six entries have been made for the sport's highest level activity, although in 2006 the rules were changed so that the championship became a competition for teams, in which manufacturers were also allowed to participate, rather than a competition exclusively reserved for individual manufacturers.

Only the leading drivers for the Manufacturer ("M1") teams need be declared at this time. As expected, these will be Sebastien Loeb, Mikko Hirvonen, Petter Solberg and Toni Gardemeister.