The word complacency does not feature in the Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart dictionary and, despite Tommi Makinen notching up his third consecutive victory in Monte Carlo just over a week ago, the team is neither resting on its laurels nor anticipating an easy ride in this year’s FIA World Rally Championship.

Competition is fiercer than ever, and the team was back out testing the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution / Carisma GT within two days of Makinen raising the prized trophy. With preparations for the forthcoming International Swedish Rally completed during December, the focus was very much on the first true gravel round of the series, the Rallye de Portugal (9-11 March), an event that will also mark Makinen’s 100th entry into a World Championship rally.

Based in Arganil, 160 kilometres to the south of the rally base in Oporto, Lasse Lampi and Freddy Loix spent five days testing and setting up the Mitsubishi’s suspension which, after months of development work in conjunction with the new rear wheel arches, proved so successful in Monte Carlo. Despite driving rain and blustery winds, the team could accurately compare its performance over the same test roads used in 2000, and improvements in pace and handling were significant.

"The car was much better compared with last year and that was very clear because we were running on exactly the same roads", commented Freddy. "The speed is good and we have never had so much suspension travel in the rear - it is working so well and I feel very happy because the car stays on the road better, especially in downhill sections. From one side you could say we tested in very extreme conditions, but for me this was good because when it was wet it was difficult for me to set some good times. Now, having had two days in very muddy and slippery conditions, I feel much more confident. You never know what the rally will be like, but I think we are very well prepared now.

"Monte Carlo was very good for me, especially after a season like last year, and the car is back near the front - Tommi proved that at the end of 2000. Our last two tests have gone well and I hope we can keep up the same level. It’ll be difficult because there is a lot of competition, but we will try our hardest", he concluded.

Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart is now making its final preparations for the International Swedish Rally (9-11 February), the only true winter rally in the series. It is an event notoriously dominated by Scandinavian drivers and the team has drafted in 1997 Swedish Rally Champion Thomas Radstrom to bolster its assault in the Manufacturers’ Championship. Both he and Makinen will be nominated in this event, allowing Freddy Loix to fight for drivers’ points, while fulfilling a vital and tactical supporting role.