Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart has consistently been at the forefront of competition in the opening three rounds of the 2001 FIA World Rally Championship, but the team is far from complacent and continues to push boundaries to maintain its position in one of the most hotly-fought series’ in the world.

Finnish test driver Lasse Lampi undertook the initial asphalt test for the Rally Catalunya-Costa Brava in February, however both Tommi Makinen and Freddy Loix flew to Spain this week to hone the settings on the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution/Carisma GT for the first true asphalt event of the year.

Belgian Freddy Loix completed more than 400 kilometres in clear, sunny conditions on the roads around Vic, to the north of the Mediterranean host town of Lloret de Mar. "This was the first time I had tried the car with the new rear suspension on true asphalt, commented Freddy. "For me things are feeling good at the moment, not just with the car but also myself. I think last year we maybe had too much confidence and the car could not always follow my way of thinking. We have made good times so far this year, which is down to the car being easier to drive and the confidence in my head. The car is now beginning to feel like it is doing what I want it to".

Similarly, Tommi Makinen, winner of the Rallye Monte Carlo and Rallye de Portugal, had two days in which to confirm the data established by Lampi. Conditions on Friday morning remained clear, however overcast skies delivered intermittent rain showers, providing the opportunity to test dry and potentially wet set-ups.

"Conditions have been mixed, but I had an opportunity to do some runs in full dry set-up and I think we already get some good ideas", commented Tommi. "It was difficult to know if the rear suspension was going to make such a big difference for us this year, but that was our target. Everyone has been working hard, so we have to wait and see what happens. Another victory? Why not, it would be good I think!"

Adding to their comments, chief engineer, Bernard Lindauer said: "On paper we don’t have such a big advantage and we are still missing out at the front on the freedom allowed with the engine position, transmission and wheel arches. Peugeot, and possibly Ford, dominated the Corsica and Sanremo rallies at the end of last year, so it will be interesting to see where we are now. I think also that Citroen will be the interesting ones to watch".

The 37th Rallye Catalunya-Costa Brava starts on Friday 23 March and covers a total of 18 stages, nine of which are run twice, before returning to the coastal holiday resort of Lloret de Mar for the finish on Sunday 25 March.