Duval linked to Skoda.

Rally Australia winner, Francois Duval could be on the verge of signing up to drive a Red Bull backed Skoda Fabia WRC in 2006.

According to reports by Rallye.magazin.de, Duval is in talks with former Skoda driver, Armin Schwarz, who is strongly tipped to run the Fabia WRC's next year, possibly with backing from Red Bull, should the Czech manufacturer opt to abandon their WRC programme.

Although Schwarz is said to be keen to run Andreas Aigner, who will take part in all ten European WRC events, a second car might also be a possibility, if the necessary funding can be secured.

Duval though faces stiff competition, not least from World Rally champion, Colin McRae, who is eager to return to the WRC more full-time, after two appearances in Wales and Australia, at the tail-end of this season.

McRae is also said to be heavily backed by WRC boss, David Richards, who is keen for the Scot to secure a drive after his return generated much publicity for the WRC. Richards is rumoured to be trying to persuade Skoda to stay in the sport, but as yet no official announcement has been made from the Czech manufacturer.

Similar rumours - concerning Schwarz, Duval and Red Bull - have also been reported by Autosport in recent weeks. Duval of course is already in the 'Red Bull family', and competed with their logos on his helmet in 2005.