Young Norwegian rally star, Andreas Mikkelsen, has been told by his father he must raise 1M Euros in sponsorship if he wants to compete in the 2009 World Rally Championship.
Mikkelsen could be denied a factory seat with either Subaru or Citroen after a dispute with his father over how much funding he has to find, according to Autosport magazine in the UK.
The Norwegian, who recently tested an Impreza WRC 08, will not contest Rally GB this year, and, according to his father Steiner, may not compete at all next year.
Mikkelsen Senior has apparently told his son he must source a third of the budget for next year.
He was quoted as saying, "If we need 3 million Euros to go rallying, I've told Andreas to find one and I'll add two to it. He's working on this now. If he dosen't find the money then he won't go rallying next season.
"Andreas has had a father who has been able to afford to let him do this. It's time he got into the mood to work hard to obtain something for himself. It's more important to me that I have a grown-up person rather than a rally driver for a son."
It is believed that Mikkelsen has options at his current team RAMsport, plus Subaru, or PH Sport for a private Citroen in 2009. If he dosen't land a drive in the WRC, he will begin his year-long national service in Norway. He is rumoured to be the favourite for a Citroen seat and that this would be his preferred option.
- Full access
- Exclusive news
- Store & Tour discounts
