Q&A: Derek Dauncey - Mitsubishi team manager.

Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart Team Manager Derek Dauncey talks about Monte Carlo, the team's new drivers, the year ahead and a lot more:

Q:
This year sees a completely new driver line-up for Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart. What is the mood within the team?
Derek Dauncey:
Without exception everyone is extremely positive and there's a real air of renewed enthusiasm. Sure, it will take a little time for the team to get to know Francois, Daniel, Alister and David, but that's all part of the challenge. A fresh start with an entirely new driver line-up has raised everyone's motivation yet again, and already you can sense the crews feel comfortable with the way the team operates.
Q:
What are the team's objectives for 2002?
DD:
Podium positions and, in some events, potentially victory. As far as the Drivers' and Manufacturers' Championships are concerned, we're obviously looking for the best possible positions and we believe we can achieve that with both drivers.

Francois [Delecour] is incredibly consistent and we're looking to develop last year's results into even stronger performances. And, the fact that he's no longer in a third car situation means he can fight all the way; for sure that will make a big difference, not only to his results but also his attitude going into an event.

He's shown such a turn of pace on all surfaces, and especially in Kenya last year without helicopter support. He's a very good all-round option and there's no reason for him not to be in a points-scoring position in any event this season. He's also had the benefit of competing in Germany and any experience over your rivals, however little, is always a bonus.

Alister [McRae] has shown a great deal of promise over the last couple of years and he's looking to take his career another step forward, in a car with which he can finally demonstrate his true ability. Hopefully we can assist him with that, and certainly having Jim (McRae) doing his gravel notes will, I'm sure, be an enormous benefit.
Q:
What about the development of the Lancer Evolution WRC over the winter?
DD:
As far as the car's development is concerned, we've taken a big step forward. After Corsica last year we had some ideas of where we wanted to go on Tarmac and those have been developed for Monte Carlo. Since the drivers tested in December more alterations have been made and both of them feel very positive, so much so that they would actually have been happy to drive the car as it was presented to them.

For Francois and Alister, they've come at an ideal time. We debuted the car last year, did four events and we're now consolidating the specification. Obviously both of them have experience of other cars and their feedback is important and has given us other areas to look at as well.

Francois, in particular, is really pleased to be back working with Michelin and that's also a big bonus for him.
Q:
And what sort of input is Lasse Lampi having with the drivers?
DD:
Both Francois and Alister showed extreme interest in working with Lasse, his experience is second to none and both have listened to what he's said, adopted their driving style to his suggestions and come away feeling positive.

Someone like Lasse who has such an incredible knowledge of the team and performance of the car is a valuable asset and I believe they not only recognise but also respect this.
Q:
What are the objectives for Monte Carlo?
DD:
We're going into the event looking for podium positions from both drivers, although we are fully aware that Alister has more limited experience here and won't be doing any heroics in his first outing in the car. Francois is very positive and while none of us wants to go out on a limb and say he'll win it, he certainly has the experience and ability.

Monte Carlo is very much a team event where the correct package of car, support, tyres, weather and gravel crews makes a huge difference. As a team we've been very successful in Monte Carlo before and, having retained the majority of our support crew, the consistency that has rewarded us with victory for the last three years is still there. We're looking forward to it.