Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart will be one of the best prepared teams for the Cyprus Rally, the sixth round of the 2001 FIA World Rally Championship. Mitsubishi continues to hold a clear lead in the World Rally Championship for Manufacturers, while Tommi Makinen leads the World Rally Championship for Drivers in his Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and can count on support from Belgium’s Freddy Loix, driving a Mitsubishi Carisma GT and a newcomer to the official team, Japan’s Katsuhiko Taguchi, driving another Lancer Evolution. Mitsubishi is also bidding for another victory in the Group N production category.

Cyprus is the newest addition to the World Championship, but it has instantly gained a formidable reputation as one of the most demanding rallies on the calendar. To most visitors, it is an idyllic holiday island in the eastern Mediterranean, a friendly, ancient land whose culture reflects both European and Middle Eastern influences. Apart from the welcome, it will seems very different to the drivers. The tracks that wind through the pine forests of the Troodos Mountains in the centre of the island, far from the beaches that attract the tourists, are exceptionally narrow, rough and twisty. The average speed is lower than on any other rally in the World Championship and, combined with the rocks, the dust and the relentless, Mediterranean heat, it becomes one of the most punishing tests of car and crew. To succeed, a driver needs an ultra-reliable car and to drive with his head.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart T. Makinen / R. Mannisenmaki (Photo Rd.5 2001 Rally Argentina)

Finns Tommi Makinen and Risto Mannisenmaki were the pacesetters in the closing stages last year, and Makinen is hoping for great things of the Michelin-shod Lancer Evolution after carrying out an extended test in Cyprus in April.

"I have to say that I am really optimistic at the moment, because our test was very good. The car turns in well, which is important on such twisty roads and I am sure the Michelin tyres will be good", Makinen said.

Belgians Freddy Loix and Sven Smeets have regularly finished in the points this season and are eager to build on their good start to the year in the Carisma GT.

"Cyprus stages are really difficult and it’s definitely one of the toughest rallies for us all, but Tommi says the car was good in the test so I hope it can be a good rally for me as well", Loix commented.

Mitsubishi Carisma GT Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart F. Loix / S. Smeets (Photo Rd.5 2001 Rally Argentina)

Katsuhiko Taguchi, co-driven by Scotsman Derek Ringer, was the 1999 Asia-Pacific Rally Champion, so although this will be his first attempt at the Cyprus Rally, he is no stranger to rugged and demanding events.

"This is a special opportunity for me and a big challenge. I will have a lot to learn about the rally and also the car, so the important thing is to finish", Taguchi stated.

"There have been some route changes this year, but our opinion is that while the organisers say the roads will be faster and better, we don’t think there will be much increase in the average speed. It won’t change the character of the event. We did our rough gravel test in Cyprus and it went well from many points of view, although it wasn’t as hot as it will be during the rally, when tyres will probably be critical. The balance of the car was pretty good. You can’t begin to speculate on the result on a tough event like this. I’m sure that Tommi in particular will go very well, but we’ll have to wait and see", Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart Team Manager George Donaldson said.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart Katsuhiko Taguchi