Zoom The repair bills added up for Novikov

Having brought his campaign to an early end this year, Evgeny Novikov has now announced that he will not take part in the 2010 World Rally Championship.

The 19-year-old Russian took on a nine-round programme with the Citroen Junior Team this year, learning the ropes at the controls of WRC machinery.

He soon established himself as a very quick and promising driver capable of winning stages and finishing within the top five... albeit with an expensive penchant for crashing out.

With half the rallies he competed in finishing with a damaged car, the budget situation became a negative factor and Novikov brought his foray to an early end shortly before the season's closing round took place at Rally Great Britain in Wales.

"Due to lack of funding in 2010 and having financial difficulties now, it was decided not to start the Rally of Great Britain," the promising young driver explained on his website. "For the same reasons, I have to take a break and will not act next year."

Novikov thanked all the fans "who have followed my actions and helped us throughout this time."

Daniel BASTIEN
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