Pirelli rally manager, Mario Isola has signed up to take in the inaugural 'Rally of Nations' event this coming weekend, being run to cover Mexico's absence from this year's World Rally Championship calendar.

Although still running as Corona Rally Mexico, the 2009 event - due to be staged from July 9-12 - will incorporate a separate competition where each country's nominated team of two will be awarded both driver and team points according to their stage position, with two titles up for grabs at the end of the event.

Isola will be in action for 'Team Italy' - along with Stefano Marrini - and as part of his involvement Pirelli will sponsor both of their Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX's.

"I'm thrilled to be part of the line-up for this rally, the first for me on gravel and alongside major champions competing for their countries no less," said Isola.

"The idea of creating this event is a great one and I want to congratulate the organisers for all the work they are doing."

Meanwhile Marrini, who has competed in 37 WRC events - taking his best finish on the Monte in 2006, when he was fourth in the PWRC, is also very enthusiastic about the 'Rally of Nations' concept.

"The organisers of Corona Rally Mexico are putting together one of the most important rally events of 2009," he added.

"The idea of bringing together major names from around the world in the same cars is really interesting. I'm very happy with the service park, which is incredible. I wish all the crews good luck."