Kris Meeke and Craig Breen could join forces in 2017

After an outstanding performance on the last round in Finland where Kris Meeke made history in becoming the first British driver to win and with Craig Breen finishing third, Breen is now very much in the frame for a step-up to the works team.

The Citroen chief Yves Matton says that after his performance in Finland this should be enough to guarantee him a factory seat in 2017.

Of course Breen is delighted with the news and although he drove for a private team this season, his input to the works team certainly has not gone unnoticed.

Breen’s performance in Finland drew praise from winner Meeke and he would be delighted to have the young Kilkenny driver as his teammate next season.

Meanwhile Breen has pledged his support to Circuit of Ireland Event Director Bobby Willis to put the Circuit back on the calendar in 2018/

Like so many others he was disappointed with the news that the Circuit would not be taking place in 2017.

He sees it as a milestone event in the rallying year and feels that it is very important that we have an event of international status.

Good news for Willis and his team, Jean-Baptise Ley boss of the European Rally Championship has assured everyone if the Circuit returns in 2018 it will once again be on the ERC calendar.

Meanwhile Meeke is a key part of a new motorsport campaign to spectate safely with the catch line Meeke Needs You.

And on the local motorsport scene this weekend, Kirkistown plays host to the British Sprint Championship with some of the fastest single seater racing cars in these islands taking part.