Rally champion Simon Mauger has set his sights on a drive in the World Championship.

After winning the 2000 Puma European Rally Championship earlier this year, the Haddenham driver has been working to secure a Puma 1600 works drive with Ford in either the British or World Championship.

As part of his Puma Championship prize, Mauger left for San Remo, Italy, to compete in a Ford 1.6 works Puma in preparation for his World Rally debut.

He recently returned from travelling to Belgium and Sweden with 1999 British Champion Martin Rowe and Ford Racing, helping to promote the Ka and Puma 1400 and 1600 kit cars.

Simon, who was also crowned 2000 Ford Puma European Rally champion, said; "I am obviously looking forward to the rally but I fully appreciate that it will be a steep learning curve. "I was hoping to test the car which was being used in Sweden but unfortunately we did not have time to do so. At least I will have the opportunity in Italy during the official shakedown."

"The priority for myself and my co-driver, Scott Poxon, is to finish the San Remo Rally and gain as much experience as possible, so I will not be trying to win the class.

No-one will expect me to win, so the pressure is off in that respect. However, that said, I have shown that I can step up to a challenge."

On his return to the UK, he hopes to secure sponsorship deals to enable the team to contest the Rally of Great Britain in November.

Mauger will also take part in the "Race of Champions" in Gran Canaria, and will also test a WRC Focus.

Anyone interested in sponsoring Simon can contact him on 01844 292238.