Phillip Morrow had to settle for fourth on the Pirelli International Rally last weekend after gearbox problems towards the end of the two-day event cost him a place on the rostrum.
Morrow, who was making his debut for the Mitsubishi UK 'works' team, ran in the top-six throughout the opening round in the 2008 Tesco 99 Octane MSA British Rally Championship, but he had a difficult start and a big moment on the very first stage, when he momentarily dropped his Evo into a ditch, knocked his confidence.
He bounced back however, and set the pace on the opening stage on Saturday morning and he looked almost certain to move up to third, when Mark Higgins began to experience engine problems in SS8, something that would eventually sideline the three-time British rally champion for good two stages later.
Morrow had his own problems in SS9 though, when he suffered transmission problems, which left him without fourth and fifth gears.
Although he had to negotiate the next two stages before the service halt with just first, second and third and did well to drop just 20 seconds, David Higgins moved in front and the Ulsterman was unable to re-take the spot in the final loop of three stages and eventually finished 7 seconds adrift.
"It would have been great to get onto the podium in my first event with the works team, but I didn't want to push too hard and spoil things," he explained at the finish.
"Once I got over the moment on the first stage I was happy that I was able to stay on the pace and really pleased to take a fastest stage time.
"It was a shame about the gearbox, but the lads did an amazing job to change it so quickly.
"Overall I'm very satisfied with the way things went and pleased that it was such a successful weekend for the team. I'm happy with fourth place."
Mitsubishi UK 'works' team boss Paul Brigden meanwhile was impressed with Morrow's mature approach.
"I'm very pleased with Phillip's performance," he added.
"He used his head and pushed-on when he felt comfortable enough to do so. He overcame problems really well and I am sure he could have made it onto the podium."
