Buoyed by his victory in the opening round of the 2000 FIA World Rally Championship, Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart driver Tommi Makinen this week led the team's test for the forthcoming Rally of Portugal. After three very specialised opening events, the fourth round of the series (16-19 March) is the first true gravel event of the World Championship and is viewed by many as a real indication of competitiveness.

Four-time World Rally Champion Tommi Makinen completed more than 200 kilometres in the Arganil region in fine weather conditions, concentrating on differential settings and the rear suspension set-up of the Lancer Evolution. Soft and sandy stages around Fafe combined with hard and rocky roads near Arganil make this a surprisingly tough rally with set-ups critical.

"The test was very important to find the ideal gravel set-up," said Makinen. "We worked hard with the rear electronic diff to improve the car's behaviour and balance on this type of terrain. This way, we learnt from the problems we had last year in Portugal and I'm hoping to have a fast car to fight for the win, both here and in the other gravel events."

Adding to Makinen's comments, David Hudson, Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart engineer said: "Last year Tommi and Marcus (Gronholm) experienced some problems with traction and balance, so this was one area that needed improvement. The active differentials are now significantly refined and Tommi and Freddy are a lot happier with this and the new rear suspension.

"After Tommi's test, we moved with Freddy and Lasse (Lampi) and, although they were hampered by fog and heavy rain, we had the opportunity to assess the car in different conditions. We have also altered the brake cooling system, with very good results, and both drivers feel happy that they can attack with confidence over the variety of conditions experienced in Portugal. This has also given us a good base from which to start our preparations for Rally Argentina in May," he concluded.

"The test was very good for me. In China last year I had some problems with the set up of the diffs in slippery conditions so we were able to find some solutions in the wet in Arganil. We then had two dry days in Fafe. We got the job done and I was satisfied enough to finish the test a day early," said Carisma GT driver Freddy Loix.

The Rally of Portugal is based in Porto and takes the competing crews to the north and south of the coastal headquarters. Tommi Makinen last won the event in 1997 in the Lancer Evolution, while team-mate Freddy Loix has finished on the podium no less than three times (1996, 1997, and 1998).