WORLD RALLY MASTERS/MITSUBISHI MOTORS/2001 WRC

News No.17
Tuesday 31 July 2001

HUGE IRISH CROWD WITNESSES FAST FREDDY'S
DRIVING DISPLAY AT WORLD RALLY MASTERS

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Mitsubishi Carisma GT
Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart
Freddy Loix during the
World Rally Masters

Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart driver Freddy Loix was a big hit with the huge crowds who descended on Punchestown Racecourse near Dublin, Ireland for the inaugural World Rally Masters last Saturday (28 July). On a glorious sunny day, Loix entertained the enthusiastic crowd as he drove his Mitsubishi Carisma GT spectacularly over the 4 kilometre stage. Joined by fellow countryman Patrick Snijers, World Rally Championship rival Richard Burns and former double world champion Miki Biasion, the Belgian became the star of the event when he treated the packed grandstands to a display of doughnuts which brought the World Rally Masters to a close.

A fun event for the Belgian, Freddy was accompanied in his World Rally Championship Carisma GT by celebrity co-driver former World Snooker Champion Ken Doherty. Currently ranked fourth in the world, the Irish Snooker star described the experience as ’awesome’.

Irish President Mary McAleese
and Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart
driver Freddy Loix

As part of his trip to Ireland, Freddy met with Irish President Mary McAleese on the eve of the event when he visit her state home, Arus an Uabhtarain, in Dublin’s Phoenix Park, which is the largest enclosed park in the world.

Making sure his trip to Ireland was not incomplete, Freddy made sure he sampled Ireland’s most famous export as he enjoyed a pint of Guinness on Friday night while mixing with his many Irish fans.

The competitive side of the event saw a thrilling day-long battle between current and former Irish Tarmac Rally Champions Andrew Nesbitt and Austin McHale who tied for the top spot with equal times at the end of the six stage event.

A historic day for Irish motorsport, the first ever World Rally Masters was a resounding success and the organisers are already promising to make the event an even greater spectacle in 2002.

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