Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart completed its final preparations for the 2002 Safari Rally today when registered crews François Delecour/Daniel Grataloup and Alister McRae/David Senior ran the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution WRCs for the final time before their African adventure begins tomorrow morning.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution WRC Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart D. Senior & D. Grataloup

The shakedown test in Suswa, 85 kilometres to the west of Nairobi, was however the culmination of the team’s extensive preparation for this legendary rally. Prior to the start of the reconnaissance, Delecour and McRae undertook a four and a half day endurance test, this being the first time Mitsubishi has competed in Africa with its World Rally Car. The team does however have years of experience in this event, having won it five times in the past, and the knowledge it has will be crucial to both Delecour and McRae as they bid against relative Safari Rally veterans.

"We covered over 1,000 kilometres during the test on a selection of different roads, all very representative of those on the rally", commented Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart engineer, Roger Estrada. "We had some suspension problems, but that’s usual on the Safari, and this is why we undertook such an extensive endurance test beforehand. The problems have been solved and the drivers are now very happy. The engine specification for this event is different and has obviously been mapped to suit the altitudes, and the gearing is longer to cope with the long fast sections. All in all I think we are well prepared for the event".

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution WRC Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart François Delecour

The French crew of François Delecour and Daniel Grataloup have previously contested this event once, finishing a fine fourth overall on their first attempt last year. "We had a few problems on the test but these have been fixed and I am feeling confident now", commented François. "The conditions are very rough, much more so than last year, but the speeds are still increasing. I pushed the car really hard during the test, right to the limit to see how far we could go, and everything was good. The Michelin’s are incredible in these conditions as well", added the Frenchman, who also spent time with the technicians today changing components in readiness for any necessary road-side repairs.

Team-mates Alister McRae and David Senior are competing here for the first time, the British pair ready for their biggest challenge of the year. "Everything is new to me but people are saying it is rougher than before, and for sure it’s very rough in places but good in other sections. It’s completely different to any other event and speeds can vary from flat-out at 200 kph to first-gear 15/30 kph over the rough and rocky stuff, a total contrast. Working with the spotter helicopter has been good, it’s quite natural to trust them because they’re telling you more about obstacles and stray animals, rather than trying to guide you on speed, which you can judge yourself. All of it’s a lot to take in, but I’m looking forward to tomorrow".

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution WRC Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart A. McRae / D. Senior