Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart driver Freddy Loix will not be competing in this year's Portugal rally. Following his accident on last week's Safari rally Belgian doctors have advised him to rest for four weeks. A scan yesterday discovered three cracked vertebrae and a cracked sternum which need time to heal.

"Freddy is bitterly disappointed with this news. He was really looking forward to driving in Portugal. He is in some discomfort with his injuries but is resting at home," said Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart team doctor Cormac Mehigan. "He will be fully reassessed in four weeks at which time a decision will be made on his fitness for Catalunya."

"I understand how disappointed Freddy is missing the Portugal rally. It is an event where he has done well in the past. We will replace him on that event and will make that driver announcement shortly," said team director Andrew Cowan.