Mitsubishi reigned supreme in rallying today, taking three world series victories on two continents. The Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart crew of Tommi Makinen and Risto Mannisenmaki won the 2001 Rallye Monte Carlo - the opening round of the FIA World Rally Championship - in their Lancer Evolution, and Olivier Gillet took victory in the FIA World Cup for Drivers of Production Cars in a Carisma GT, also in Monte Carlo. And in Africa, Jutta Kleinschmidt won the awesome Paris-Dakar Rally, the opening round of the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies, in a Mitsubishi Pajero (subject to final FIA confirmation).

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart T. Makinen / R. Mannisenmaki

At the start of what will undoubtedly be another closely-fought season, Tommi Makinen and Mitsubishi lead both the FIA World Rally Championship for Drivers and Manufacturers, a fitting reward for the team after months of development work on the Lancer Evolution / Carisma GT.

It has been a classic ’Monte’ with snow, ice and wet conditions, blue skies but sub-zero temperatures, and a terrific rate of attrition during three days of gruelling competition. Thousands of rally fans, many of whom camped out in freezing conditions to secure the best vantage points, have been treated to world-class action over narrow and treacherous French mountain roads to the north and northwest of the tiny principality of Monaco.

The Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart crew of Tommi Makinen and Risto Mannisenmaki scored a hat-trick of Monte Carlo wins today in their Lancer Evolution. The Finns are only the third crew in the event’s 69-year history to achieve this feat, and the first to do so since Walter Rohrl won consecutively between 1982 and 1984. Makinen was at his best today, romping into the lead over the famous Col de Turini stage and taking victory on the proceeding one. Easing the pace over the final two stages, the Finn ultimately took victory by one minute over Spaniard Carlos Sainz, the only registered Ford Focus driver after Colin McRae retired.

"I’m very happy to get my third Monte Carlo win. I’ve enjoyed the weekend enormously", said Tommi. "We had a great combination of tyre choices with Michelin, a very good car and nearly no mistakes from me. I’m looking forward to Sweden already; what a great start to the year!"

Mitsubishi Carisma GT Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart F. Loix / S. Smeets

Team-mates Freddy Loix and Sven Smeets are demonstrating a return to form, a fine drive reaping them sixth overall, fourth of the registered drivers. A blisteringly brave pace through the renowned Turini this morning guaranteed them the stage victory in only their fourth attempt at this tricky event. And a conservative tyre choice for the final run at the two stages ensured points in both Championships.

"We had a great time on the Col de Turini this morning and I am very happy to be at the finish and get some points for us and Mitsubishi", said Freddy. "Tyre choice this morning was the right one, but this afternoon it wasn’t so good, but it guaranteed a finish and points. I’m happy".

Adding to their comments, George Donaldson, team manager said: "Monte is definitely one of our favourite events. It’s not been easy and the team and Tommi have done a fantastic job. It’s nice to start with a win and it’s been a typical Makinen performance, with a lot of help from so many people. Freddy has also been setting some good times and I think we can be optimistic for the season ahead".

Mitsubishi Motors drivers took a clean sweep of the leading positions in the Group N production car category yet again. Olivier Gillet scored a magnificent victory in his Carisma GT, as Mitsubishi gained its 15th consecutive Group N World Championship rally win. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and Carisma GT drivers took the first six places in Group N.

Mitsubishi Carisma GT Gr.N O. Gillet / F. Delorme