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.