McRae looked to have been squeezed out by rule changes

The Scot lost his drive with Citroen after a change in WRC rules restricting each team to two cars.

But the serious illness afflicting Subaru driver Richard Burns has raised the prospect of McRae re-joining the team where he won the 1995 title.

"The meetings in Japan were very positive," said Subaru boss David Lapworth.

"Were looking to be in a position to make a full assault on the championship next year."

End of the road for McRae

McRae was released by Citroen at the end of a disappointing season and looked to be out of the running for 2004.

He will drive for Nissan in the 2004 Dakar Rally, which starts in France on 1 January.

But the decision of Ford to commit to the WRC, taking possible Subaru targets Markko Martin and Francois Duval out of the frame, has put McRae back in the picture.

He could complete the Dakar event and then join Subaru for the first rally of the WRC season in Monte Carlo.

McRae's potential team-mate, 2003 world champion Petter Solberg, has said he would welcome McRae's arrival.

Driver profile: Colin McRae

"It's not something I would object to," said the Norwegian. "I actually think it would be positive."