FIA RALLY: McRae confident of winning fitness battle
13 October 2000
Posted By Terry CallahanMotorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
Ford Martini World Rally team driver Colin McRae is on the verge of winning his race against time to be fit to compete in next week's Sanremo Rally. The 32-year-old Scot, who suffered a double fracture of his left cheekbone and a bruised lung after a crash on the Tour of Corsica at the end of last month, is recovering well after surgery earlier this week to re-set the fractures.
McRae underwent a three-hour operation at Edinburgh's Murrayfield Hospital on Monday during which a plate was inserted to strengthen the cheekbone. He left hospital the following afternoon and is now relaxing in Scotland.
He will return to the hospital tomorrow (Friday) to see surgeon Glen Lello who will hopefully pass McRae fit to resume his FIA World Rally Championship challenge.
McRae and co-driver Nicky Grist, who was unhurt in the 120kph crash, lie third in the championship in their Ford Focus World Rally Car. Just three of the 14 rounds remain and with only five points covering the top four drivers, McRae is desperate to make the startline of the Italian round of the series. The Ford Martini team will, however, be guided by medical advice.
The team has already been in contact with racewear supplier Sparco to discuss alternative types of crash helmet for McRae. A number of options have been suggested that provide maximum support to the side of his face while reducing the pressure on his cheekbone.
If McRae is passed fit, he will fly to Italy on Sunday to begin the three-day practice the following morning. His scheduled test in the Sanremo region on Sunday has been cancelled.
The 1100km rally starts in Sanremo on Friday 20 October finishing in the Italian Riviera town on Sunday 22 October.
Text provided by Mark Wilford
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