Mitsubishi team poised to bounce back

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.

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 teams’ 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.