[PJ46]

Finnish driver upset by team's about-turn

Former Swedish Rally winner Harri Rovanpera says he is “confused” by Peugeot's decision to drop him for the 2004 season, according to a story in this week's AUTOSPORT Magazine.

The Finn was informed late last week that his services would not be required, even though he thought he had an agreement for all 16 rounds next season. Freddy Loix now looks set to get the drive.

“I don't understand this,” said Rovanpera. “We had talks at the end of July and everything was okay – there was no problem. Now this – it looks like I have nothing. There is not very much time to find anything for next season.”

Although Rovanpera (and Loix) was confirmed for 2004 earlier this year during the confusion over proposed rule changes, Peugeot boss Corrado Provera says the team has now changed its mind.

“We have decided not to keep him anymore,” said Provera. “He has not performed like we would have wanted. Since he crashed out of Finland he seems to have had a mental imbalance in his mind.”

To be fair to Peugeot, Rovanpera was confirmed at a time when the regulations on third drivers were unclear and Peugeot thought they would need to sign three pilots.

Loix's good showing against Rovanpera on the recent Wales Rally Great Britain is unlikely to have helped his cause.

bron : autosport.com