Schwarz ready for final rally

Works Skoda driver Armin Schwarz is gearing up for his last World Rally Championship appearance of his career on next weekend's Telstra Rally Australia. The 42 year old German rally veteran has taken part in a total of 119 events in the 17 years since he made his debut at the sport't top level in the 1988 Rally GB.

Schwarz - who one the European title with the works Toyota team in 1996 - has driven for most of the top works teams at some point in his career, with stints at Ford, Audi, Mitsubishi, Skoda and Hyundai. He has been linked with a possible role as team manager for a privateer Skoda outfir with Red Bull backing in 2006.

"Now it's Australia, I am very much looking forward to this event," he said on his official website. "The rally on the west coast is a real challenge for a rally driver, and I simply love the people and the country."