WORLD RALLY MASTERS/MITSUBISHI MOTORS/2001 WRC

News No.15
Saturday 7 July 2001

MITSUBISHI WORLD RALLY TEAM CONFIRMED
FOR WORLD RALLY MASTERS

Feddy Loix to drive Mitsubishi Carisma GT
at Punchestown Rally Spectacular

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Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart
driver Freddy Loix

The Mitsubishi World Rally Team are to make their first ever trip to Ireland later this month with the announcement today by Mitsubishi Motors that Belgian Rally star Freddy Loix is to compete at World Rally Masters on July 28th. The second world championship driver in a week to be confirmed for the rally spectacular, which takes place at Punchestown Racecourse situated near Naas, the 30-year-old will drive his Mitsubishi Carisma GT on the event.

’Fast Freddy’, as he is known by his home fans, joins England’s Richard Burns as one of the star international entries for the one day event and will face tough opposition from top Irish drivers such as Andrew Nesbitt, Austin McHale, Frank Meagher, Kenny McKinstry, James Cullen and Eamonn Boland.

Currently lying ninth in this years World Championship, Loix who is managed by Irishman Sean O’Connor burst on to the world scene in 1997 before becoming a full time driver for the Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart team in 1999, where he has been a team-mate of four times world rally champion Tommi Makinen.

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

Commenting on the news that the Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart are to compete at World Rally Masters Tom Nolan, Clerk of the Course for the event, said, "Today’s announcement that the Mitsubishi World Rally Team are coming is brilliant news. Attracting Mitsubishi and Loix is a major coup".

He continued, "The event is going to be a real treat for Irish rally fans particular in a year when a lot of the major rallies had to be cancelled due to Foot & Mouth restrictions".

To run on the services track at Punchestown Racecourse, World Rally Masters is scheduled to get under way at 10:30 with the first of six 4Km runs for the 40 invited drivers.

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