WRC: Reid tipped to lead drivers' group

Robert Reid, the 2001 World Rally champion co-driver alongside Richard Burns, is a strong candidate to lead a new WRC Drivers' Association.

Drivers called for a more of a say in the WRC's future direction after the disputes over conditions at last month's Rally Sweden. Reid has worked with the FIA since retiring from competition in 2003. He recently stepped down from the vice president role at the WRC Commission and is looking for a new challenge.

"We all want the same thing: a safer sport and a better relationship between the FIA and the crews – both are key to the sport's future," said Reid, who was tipped for the WRC drivers' group role by Formula 1 Grand Prix Drivers' Association chairman Alex Wurz.

"I've been a competitor at a high level, I know what it's like when that mist descends and the only point of view you can see is your own," he added. "And the same from within the FIA, where I've spent the last three years as vice-president of the WRC Commission.

"It's at these times that compromise needs to be found. I would relish the chance to have a positive impact for the future."

WRC drivers met with FIA championship manager Jarmo Mahonen just before Rally Mexico. While they declined to discuss the content of their meeting, one driver backed the possibility of Reid leading their group.

"Robert is definitely the kind of person we're looking at," he said. "We need to know the best way forward and we need somebody with an insight into what the GPDA achieves and how we can take the best from that."

Mahonen said there had been agreement to keep the distance between the FIA and drivers "very short."

"We want to communicate more and this is not only with the P1 [seeded] drivers, but with all of the drivers," He added. "The faith is there now and that was one of the main things we had to work on.

"I think the whole thing has been a lack of communication. We have been talking about many things but it's mainly the work to keep the sport safe. I have a feeling we have found each other."

Originally on Autosport.com