Colin McRae has undergone an intricate three-hour operation in an effort to salvage his world championship season. The surgery took place nine days after he smashed his cheekbone in his 80 mph exit from the Tour of Corsica, illustrating the Scot's zeal to contest the San Remo Rally next week.

A Ford spokesman said: "The operation was completed successfully and now we must wait for the swelling to go down and see how Colin progresses before we make any decision on San Remo."