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Mitsubishi team poised to bounce back

Bullet Tesco 99 Octane MSA British Rally Championship
Bullet Round Three – Rally Isle of Man – 17th, 18th & 19th July 2008
Bullet Team looks forward to getting season back on track.
Bullet Guy Wilks eager to return to winning ways.
Bullet Phillip Morrow says strategy counts on IOM.


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14th July 2008


Mitsubishi Motors UK Rally Team is set to get its season back on track when its drivers Guy Wilks and Phillip Morrow return to action for round three of the Tesco 99 Octane MSA British Rally Championship, the Rally Isle of Man, which takes place on 17th, 18th & 19th July.

Following a disappointing result in round two, the Jim Clark Rally, when Wilks’ car caught fire and Morrow was side-lined following an early accident, the Mitsubishi team are eager to put the record straight and get back to their winning ways. Taking into account last year’s visit to the Isle of Man, when the two works Lancers finished first and second, their aspirations are more than realistic.

The upshot of the last outing resulted in Wilks’ car being a complete write-off and therefore, he will appear this weekend in his 2007 British Championship winning Evolution IX which has now been upgraded to this year’s specification. Morrow’s car has been repaired and last week both drivers successfully tested their re-fettled Mitsubishis in Wales.

Eager to put his and the team’s season back on target, an upbeat Wilks said: “We now need to pull out all the stops to get back to where we should be in the championship and it would be great to repeat last year’s success on the island. However, the pressure is on, so whilst we’ve got to push hard, it’s also important to ensure we end up with a strong finish.”

Morrow is also keen to get back in action: “I really want to get out there and do a good job for the team - and for my own confidence as well. The Isle of Man is a notoriously difficult rally, so I am going to approach it with that in mind and, if things feel right, then I’ll start to up the pace.”

Mitsubishi UK Motorsport boss and Ralliart General Manager Paul Brigden, is looking forward to his team being back in action: “The best way to put challenging times behind you is to go out there and do well. Our target this weekend is to get both cars to the finish in strong positions and, by doing so, we can reignite our bid to retain the team’s and drivers titles.”

The Rally Isle of Man gets underway from the Douglas TT Grandstand on Thursday evening with four stages before the first overnight halt. Friday sees another 12 stages and Saturday a further seven before the finish back at the grandstand. The route features a total competitive distance of 182 miles, which makes the Rally Isle of Man the longest asphalt event - and one of the consequently the toughest rounds - in the British Championship Calendar.

Due to Wilks’ regular co-driver Phil Pugh currently suffering from back problems, David Moynihan from Mallow, Co. Cork, has been drafted in. Morrow continues to be partnered by Daniel Barritt.

The two works Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IXs are built by Chesterfield-based ADR Motorsport, who also provide the all-important on-event technical support.

The team is sponsored by Lovell Group and Virgin Money, together with its technical partners: HKS, Sparco, Speedline Corse, PIAA, Ricardo, and Performance Friction Brakes.

ENDS

Notes for Editors
Guy Wilks is 27 and lives in Darlington, Co. Durham.
Phil Pugh 36 is and lives in Tywyn, Gwynedd.
Phillip Morrow is 24 and lives in Lisburn.
Daniel Barritt is 27 and lives in Burnley.

Photo Caption
The Mitsubishi UK Works Rally Team is back in action this weekend for round three of the Tesco 99 Octane MSA British Rally Championship, the Rally Isle of Man, when drivers Guy Wilks (left) and Phillip Morrow will aim to repeat the team’s dominant result of last year, when its cars finished first and second (copyright free images).

 

For further information please contact:

Mitsubishi Motors UK Press Office:
a.wertheim@mitsubishi-cars.co.uk

Tel: 01285 647200

Paul Brigden, General Manager - Ralliart
p.brigden@mitsubishi-cars.co.uk
Tel: 01285 647680

Mitsubishi Motors UK Motorsport Press Officer
Simon Slade, RPM Promotions

simon@rpmpromo.com
Tel: 01935 424873
Mob: 07966 153555