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Mitsubishi announce plans for 2008 UK Evolution Challenge |
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| Mitsubishi announces UK motorsport plans and launch of Evo X at Autosport Show (click here) |
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| 3rd January 2008 |
With all systems go for its eighth consecutive season, the Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge looks forward to another exciting year in 2008.
The UK’s high-profile one-make series for homologated Group N Lancer Evolutions (incorporating VI – IX) will follow a similar format to that of 2007. Once again, the calendar will feature most of the MSA Gravel Rally Championship, with seven rounds planned and competitors counting scores from their six best results. One of the outstanding features of the Evolution Challenge has always been is its high-value prize fund – and 2008 is no exception. Organisers are currently finalising details of what’s on offer and intend to announce further details at the Autosport Show. “It is the wish of Mitsubishi to continue to run a works team and offer a works drive in 2009”, said General Manager for Ralliart Paul Brigden. “However, until the Evolution X has been fully evaluated for competition, we are not yet in a position to confirm our plans. There are also a number of other opportunities currently being looked at, which we are sure will hold great appeal to competitors.” Following the recent announcement by ANCRO that the MSA Gravel Rally Championship will feature controlled Pirelli tyres for Production Class cars, orgainsers of the Evolution Challenge have confirmed that the Mitsubishi championship will follow suit in 2008. "Pirelli is delighted to confirm a control-tyre agreement with the Evolution Challenge. We are actively working with Mitsubishi to develop this partnership both in the UK, Ireland and Worldwide”, said Pirelli Motorsport and Events Manager, Martin Pallot. “The Evolution Challenge is one of the most exciting one-make series there is, with a fantastic following and signing this agreement dove-tails nicely with the existing agreements we have with the MSA British and National Gravel Rally Championships. We very much look forward to working closely with Mitsubishi in the coming years." Championship organisers are currently working with Pirelli to introduce a range of benefits for competitors, such as the presentation of tyres as awards, bonus schemes and prizes, the sum total of which it is anticipated will go a long way towards compensating – or even bettering – some competitor’s existing individual tyre deals. “We have resisted a one-make tyre arrangement for many years, but circumstances have changed and, having considered the whole picture, we see this increased association with Pirelli as a great opportunity”, said Evo Challenge Coordinator Simon Slade. Following its successful introduction in 2007, the Evolution Challenge will continue to feature a controlled fuel, with Sunoco appointed as the approved supplier for 2008. “We spend a great deal of time taking into account all of the options that are open to us and, at all times consider carefully the impact of our actions on competitors, whether it is the prizes we offer, the events we visit, or the suppliers and technical partners we work with”, explains Slade. “Because of this philosophy, we are confident that our championship will remain one of the most competitive and high-profile there is. Provisional calendar For further information please contact the Evolution Challenge coordination office: ENDS PRESS & COMPETITOR INVITATION |
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For
further information please contact: Paul
Brigden, General Manager - Ralliart Mitsubishi
Motors UK Motorsport Press Officer |
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Championship gets ready for eighth consecutive season