Mitsubishi drivers await Sanremo Rally challenge.

Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart begins a new chapter in its involvement in motorsport on Italy's Sanremo Rally, the 11th round of the 2001 FIA World Rally Championship, and both Tommi Makinen and Freddy Loix are eager to be part of it. The rally marks the first appearance of new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution WRC which will be driven by Makinen and Loix. Mitsubishi is also strongly represented in the Group N production car category, in which it has a phenomenal record of success.

The new Mitsubishis were the centre of attention for the enthusiastic crowds milling around the tiny mountain village of Borghetto d'Arascia north-east of Sanremo for today's pre-rally shakedown test. Few nations can rival the Italian passion for motorsport of all kinds, and fans pressed as close to each team's service point as they could, taking photographs, clamouring for autographs or begging for stickers. Moving from spring in New Zealand to autumn in Italy - on the other side of the world - conditions were cool and overcast as drivers concentrated on making their final preparations for the rally, checking tyres and brakes, and making final adjustments to the suspension. For most of them, it is their first asphalt rally for almost six months and therefore preparations matter even more than usual. Tyre wear is less likely to be a serious concern now, as unfinished roadworks have obliged the organisers to split the planned 43-kilometre stages in two.

Finns Tommi Makinen and Risto Mannisenmaki have a superb Sanremo record and believe that although the latest Lancer Evolution WRC is brand new, the Michelin-shod machine gives them a strong chance of extending their World Championship lead.

"If the result is something to do with our performance, the rally will go very well! We haven't done so much testing, so it's difficult to say where we are, but I am sure the new car will be faster. It feels good," Makinen commented.

Freddy Loix, who has recently become a father for the first time, and fellow Belgian Sven Smeets have carried out much of the groundwork in the new car and are full of praise for the latest Evolution WRC.

"The big difference is the car is a lot more easy to drive. I think that will be a big help, because there are quite a few new stages this year, so there are sure to be some surprises. Around 40% of the rally is new," Loix stated.

Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart has also appointed Lasse Lampi as its Sporting and Technical Adviser. The appointment has been made in recognition of his enormous efforts on Mitsubishi's behalf over many years and a desire to reinforce the structure of the team as it unveils its new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution WRC.

Lampi will continue to act as test driver, working in conjunction with engineers in Japan and at Ralliart Europe, but he also fulfils a number of other roles. The Finn will liase between drivers, engineers, tyre engineers, gravel note and weather crews during rallies, as well as co-ordinating development tests for each rally.

Lampi is one of the longest serving, most loyal members of the team, having joined in 1983, and has played a key role in its numerous successes. He has been primarily responsible for testing of the new Lancer Evolution WRC before drivers Tommi Makinen and Freddy Loix got behind the wheel. Born in Turku in south-western Finland in 1951, he is a qualified mechanical engineer and in a distinguished career as a driver, he became Finnish Rally Champion three times. He has vast experience of the World Rally Championship and a flair for developing a rapport with drivers. He took up his new role on 1 October 2001.

The 1,425-kilometre Rallye Sanremo begins with a ceremonial start in Sanremo on October 4, but the acid test comes with the first stages on Friday morning. The first leg includes six stages, totalling 142 kilometres.