Duval inks World Rally Car deal

Ex-Citroen and Ford WRC star Francois Duval will drive a MML Sports Lancer WRC car on the Condroz Rally next weekend.
Francois Duval (B) Ford Focus RS WRC 07
Francois Duval (B) Ford Focus RS WRC 07
© PHOTO 4

Former works Citroen and Ford WRC ace Francois Duval will drive an MML Sports Mitsubishi Lancer WRC05 World Rally Car on next weekend's Condroz Rally, it has been announced.

The Belgian has never driven the Mitsubishi before, but he is looking forward to trying it, having seen the success the car has brought to drivers around Europe in the last two years.

Run by MML Sports, the company formed from Ralliart Europe, which ran the Mitsubishi works rally team, the WRC05 has been developed and improved in recent months and the results are becoming clear.

The two-day event begins on November 7, and Duval will face stiff competition. Indeed fellow Belgian and former Mitsubishi works driver Freddy Loix will also be competing - using the Peugeot 207 Super 2000, whilst Patrick Snijers will be in a Subaru WRC car and Pieter Tsjoen in a Ford Focus WRC.

Despite the level of opposition though, MML Sport is confident that Duval can adapt quickly and shine on the two-day event.

"We are delighted that Francois will be driving the MML Sports Mitsubishi Lancer WRC05 on the Condroz Rally," said MML Sports managing director, John Easton. "Francois' speed and skill are without question and we are looking forward to seeing him prove how competitive we know the car is and do well on the final round of the Belgian championship.

"This will be the first time that the Lancer WRCar has run in Belgian and once again, it will be up against younger World Rally Cars.

"However, as we have seen in Holland with Mark [van Eldik] and Hungary, a Lancer WRC with a good driver, such as Francois, is a very potent combination and I'm looking forward to next weekend."

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