Makinen DSQ - Mitsubishi Ralliart statement.

In the wake of event winner Tommi Makinen's disqualification from Rally Australia, the Mitsubishi Ralliart team issued the following statement explaining the circumstances and confirming that it would not be appealing against the stewards' decision.

"Following post-event scrutineering the turbocharger of Car #1 - Tommi Makinen/Risto Mannisenmaki - was sealed for inspection by the FIA.

The FIA technical delegate has identified a difference between this turbocharger and the homologated version.

Recently Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart's turbocharger supplier modified the casting. The complete water cooling system from the production car turbocharger has been removed in this new casting. Within the rally version of the turbocharger the water cooling system was originally blanked off as permitted under the regulations. The turbocharger has not, in any way, been modified to achieve a performance advantage and a genuine mistake has been made without the knowledge of the team.

Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart receives the complete engine package including all ancillaries shortly before each World Championship event. The team does not have any direct involvement in the preparation of the engine or its turbocharger.

Following a hearing, the stewards of the meeting imposed the penalty of exclusion for this offence. Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart accept the steward's decision and will not be making an appeal in the interest of the spirit of competition within the World Rally Championship."

Makinen's exclusion hands the event victory to Marcus Gronholm, with the Peugeot driver now all but assured of the WRC title if he scores a point on the Rally of Great Britain.