After securing two successive Rally America titles local co-driver Craig Drew signed a new contract for 2013 with Subaru USA last week.

Drew is looking forward to going for a hat-trick of titles together with David Higgins, the pairing have totally dominated the USA rally scene over the last two years in the factory backed Subaru Impreza, run by Vermont Sports Cars.

"Its nice to get a deal done before Christmas, sometimes these things come together last minute,I am really looking forward to going back to try and win a third title." Said Drew

"These things are never easy, and rallying in the USA is getting stronger,but we now know the layout of events, got a strong car and an excellent team around us,so their's no reason why we can't be competitive next year."

Craig also hopes to tie up some other events outside his American commitments with various drivers.

Another local co-driver who goes into 2013 full of optimism is Will Rogers, the Cinderford youngster, is hoping to secure a deal for the whole of the 2013 REIS/Get Connected BTRDA series.

"I am closing in on a deal for the series but nothing is finalised yet, I also hope to do some British Rally Championship events if the opportunity arises next year, but my main focus is BTRDA".

Will's brother Matt will be looking. to continue his success with another year alongside Colin Webb, in the BMW 325, the duo were crowned 2012 Pirelli Welsh Championship 2wd Champions.

Jack Walby is another who is close to announcing his plans for next year; the Broadwell youngster has had an excellent year, co-driving for Nigel Jenkins, finishing third overall in the Millers Oils' BTRDA 1400 series, third in class, second in class in the Pirelli Welsh National championship and runner up in the English junior series.

"Its been a great year for me, I have learnt an awful lot, we are now busy trying to sort out something for next year and looking forward to the Wyedean," said Jack.

"WLE Rally Time Trial victors Rob Smith and Ross Weir will team up for a full BTRDA campaign in the Weir Laundry Equipment Subaru Impreza.

Rob Weir will have Shaun O'Gorman alongside him in the historic spec Escort RS1800.

With the World Championship opener in Monte Carlo just around the corner, the driver merry-go-round continues with nine time World Champion, Sebastian Loeb, going into semi-retirement with a selected programme, Spaniard Dani Sordo returns to Citroen from Mini to join Miko Hirvonen now Citroen's lead driver.

Volkswagen will debut the VW Polo WRC and start title favourites with a strong driver line up of former Ford star Jari Matti Latvala joining Sebastian Ogier, with double IRC Champion Andreas Mikkelsen doing 10 rounds.

Ford will have a whole new team and also a new sponsor in Qatar World Rally Team.

Mads Ostberg steps up to number one driver with rising Belgian star Thierry Neuville switching from Citroen to join the blue oval with last years surprise package, Evgeny Novikov, doing a full 13 round programme, to make up the trio.

Mini are also close to committing to a full programme but yet to name a driver, with both Petter Solberg and Francois Delecour joining new Finnish star Jarko Nikara in the running for the drive.

Another new team due to make its bow in Monte Carlo is Hyundai, the Korean car manufacturer has yet to decide on a one or two car team and its driver line up. An announcement is due in the coming weeks.