New manufacturer linked to WRC return

Yet another manufacturer has been linked to a return to the WRC.

Saab have been linked to an entry in the 2012 WRC, with possible base cars being the 9-1 or the 9-2. Rumors suggest that the engines will be supplied by BMW Motorsport, the same 1.6 turbocharged power plant to be used by MINI in their Countryman WRC

Saab were on a knife edge only last year in regards to the firms finances. General Motors, the then owners of Saab, announced that Saab was 'under review', meaning that it was either going to be sold or discontinued. 27 possible buyers surfaced, but only 3 held extended talks. Koenigsegg announced in June 2009 that they were to buy the brand, but by November 24^th, they decided not to continue the purchase. GM said that they would discontinue the brand should a buyer not be found by the end of 2009.

However, on 26^th January 2010, GM and Dutch supercar constructor Spyker came to an agreement which permitted Spyker to purchase the brand from GM. On 23^rd February 2010, Spyker purchased Saab from GM. The European Investment Bank provided a loan of US $74m, made payable to GM, and shares in Spyker worth US $320m.

Saab are no stranger to the sport. Regulars in the WRC until 1979, they had drivers such as Stig Blomqvist. Their cars included the Saab 96 V4, Saab 99 EMS and the Saab 99 Turbo. Second in the 1971 International Cup for Manufacturers was their best International finish.

Motorsport magazine AUTOSPORT source' said:"The initial meeting [between Saab and WRC officials, believed to include both the FIA commissions and promoter North One Sport] has happened and there's a huge amount of enthusiasm from all concerned. Like Mini, Saab has a great heritage in the sport and a return to the WRC makes a lot of sense."

Head of North One Sport Simon Long says that other manufacturers will follow MINI's footsteps, but won't say which manufacturers.

"I think Mini's announcement has given people a lot of confidence in the sport. The messages we're getting are all positive."

Other manufacturers are due to enter the WRC, with Volkswagen due to start selected rounds in 2012, and may enter full time in 2013. Toyota are due to announce whether or not they will enter the WRC by the end of this month (August).