McRae wants to focus on the Dakar Rally instead of a full season

The Scot, who has been without a drive since leaving Citroen at the end of the 2003 season, did not rule out racing in selected rallies in the future.

But he said he could not commit to the 16-round programme, preferring instead to focus on the Dakar Rally.

"I'm enjoying the break more than I'm missing the championship, otherwise I'd be trying to get in," said McRae.

Having rejected the advances of Skoda, McRae saw his final opportunity for a works drive disappear when Ford signed Roman Kresta to partner Toni Gardemeister.

There's a possibility I could return but it has got to have a certain value to it Colin McRae

"I was willing to do a few events, but obviously manufacturers want somebody who is going to commit to the whole championship.

"It's too much, 16 rallies. Everyone has complained about it, it's too much work.

"I'm enjoying the Dakar Rally stuff and if I commit to the championship again I can't do that and that's really what I want to focus on."

McRae did not rule out a return to World Rally should a top team meet his part-time condition.

"There's a possibility but it has got to have a certain value to it, not just a one-off event for the sake of it," said McRae, in Paris this weekend for the Race of Champions.