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PRESS INFORMATION
16th April 2007 The Mitsubishi Motors UK Works Rally Team is delighted to report that, following a successful test last week in Kielder Forest, all signs point to a great start to the season and the opening round of the Tesco 99 Octane MSA British Rally Championship, the Pirelli International Rally on 20th & 21st April. The test saw the Mitsubishi team’s 2007 driver line up of Guy Wilks and Gwyndaf Evans get acquainted with the two brand-new Lancer Evolution IXs they will be using this season. Each covered nearly 200 miles on Wednesday and Thursday with the team consequently delighted to report that although the cars had hardly turned a wheel beforehand, both ran faultlessly throughout the two days, allowing the drivers and engineers to establish excellent set-ups. For Wilks it was his first ever drive in a works Mitsubishi and, more significantly, his first time in a Group N car on a proper forest stage. “I have to admit that I approached the test with some apprehension and made sure I took time to dial myself into the car,” explained Wilks. “However, it didn’t take long before I found that I could really attack the corners when the car was set up how I wanted it – which it is now.” Wilks added: “After such a good test and having been able to spend so much time in the car, I am really looking forward to the Pirelli Rally and I’m very pleased to be with a team which will give me the best chance of winning the British title.” Evans was also delighted with the test and the amount of ground that was covered in the two days. “I’m more than happy with the way things went,” he said. “We were able to spend time getting the car just right and it never missed a beat, which really inspired me with confidence. It was clear right from the start that everyone in the team is committed to the same goal and therefore, I’m pleased to be part of it.” General Manager for Ralliart and Mitsubishi UK motorsport boss Paul Brigden witnessed proceedings last week and was impressed with what he saw: “During the test both drivers fed back masses of information, which really helped our engineers. Its interesting to note that the two cars are now set up almost identically, which allowed us to make significant strides forward with suspension and ECU settings. ADR Motorsport must be praised for preparing the new cars so well and having seen what I did in Kielder last week, I am confident that we go into this season with a very strong team indeed.” Wilks (26) from Darlington, will be partnered by his regular co-driver Phil Pugh from Twyyn, whilst Evans (47) from Dinas Mawddwy, will be reunited with his co-driver who guided him to victory in last year’s Evolution Challenge, Huw Lewis from Machynlleth. The Pirelli Rally is based in Carlisle with all of the event’s 100 competitive miles taking place over the gravel roads of Kielder Forest. Starting at 7.00pm from the City Centre on Friday, there are four timed special stages that evening, with a further nine on Saturday before competitors return to Carlisle for the finish, 24 hours after the rally began. The Cirencester-based Mitsubishi Motors UK rally team is supported by HKS, Pirelli, Sparco, Speedline Corse, PIAA, Ricardo and Performance Friction Brakes. The team’s two Lancer Evolution IXs are built and run on events by ADR Motorsport of Chesterfield. ENDS 2007 British Rally Championship Calendar
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Gwyndaf Evans and Guy Wilks alongside one of the Mitsubishi Motors UK Works Rally Team Lancers in which they will contest this year’s Tesco 99 Octane MSA British Rally Championship, which kicks off with the Pirelli International Rally on 20th & 21st April (copyright free image). |
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For further information please contact:
Paul
Brigden, General Manager - Ralliart Mitsubishi
Motors UK Motorsport Press Officer
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Tesco 99 Octane MSA British Rally Championship - Round One Preview
