"Like the Cyprus Rally, the Acropolis is hot and twisty, but there are some important differences between the rallies too. The average speed is 25-30 km/h faster in Greece. Tyre wear can be critical, just as it is in Cyprus, but we will be going to the rally armed with data from a relevant test", said Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart Team Manager George Donaldson.

"We know what we’ve got to do: it hasn’t been the best event for Tommi is the past, but there’s no reason why we can’t do well. Our car has gone well recently and Tommi will be very focused and determined after Cyprus. He knows he’s got to stay cool. We’ll continue to build on Freddy’s strengths and capitalise on his recent performances. He’s been very useful to the team, but I’m sure he can do better still It would be nice to see him on the podium", he added.

Mitsubishi Motors drivers have not been beaten in the Group N production category in the FIA World Rally Championship since 1999 and they have high hopes of maintaining their phenomenal record on the seventh round of the 2001 series, the Acropolis Rally. All the Group N front runners are using the most popular cars in a top-quality entry.

The battle for Group N supremacy may well be a Latin American affair. One of the favourites is sure to be rising Argentine star Gabriel Pozzo, who leads the Group N World Championship in his Lancer Evolution.

"The Acropolis is quite like our last rally in Cyprus. It is hot and rough, which means it is hard work for us and for the cars. You have to look after the car a little bit, but of course, I still want to win!" Pozzo said.

His main rival could well be Uruguay’s vastly experienced four-times World Champion Gustavo Trelles, the winner in Cyprus in his Lancer Evolution.

"On this kind of rally, you have to drive with your head. I think the Acropolis is probably the roughest rally in Europe, so it is very satisfying if you do well", Trelles commented.

Marcos Ligato is in his first season outside Argentina, but he has already shown that he has the talent to make up for his inexperience and the Lancer Evolution driver is undoubtedly a potential winner. Other likely front runners include former World Champion and Acropolis victor Stig Blomqvist and San Marino driver Mirco Baldacci, both driving Carisma GTs.

In keeping with tradition, the rally starts in Athens, but it is centred on the Adriatic port of Itea, which hosts the overnight halts and the finish. Running from June 14-17, the rally covers a total of 1,645 kilometres, with 20 stages totalling 398 kilometres. The first leg is comfortably the longest, for although it has just six stages, they total 143 kilometres. The second leg also loops around Mount Olympus, the ancient seat of the gods, providing another seven stages covering 123 kilometres. The third leg provides a real sting in the tail. It offers another seven stages, covering 132 kilometres, with two runs at a daunting 38-kilometre test, the longest of the rally, that will stretch cars and tyres to the limit.