Saab is now rallying to return to the world championships

Hot on the tracks of Mini's announcement of its return to the World Rally Championship, Saab has announced that it will be competing with the upcoming 9-1. Saab was on the verge of disappearing last year till the firm was bought by Spyker. Autosport sources state: "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." North One Sport's Simon Long refused to be drawn on specific manufacturers, but told the magazine: "I think Mini's announcement has given people a lot of confidence in the sport. The messages we're getting are all positive." There are rumours that Volkswagen may also throw its hat into the rallying ring.