Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart starts the 2002 FIA World Rally Championship season with an all-new driver line-up and its first full competitive season with the Lancer Evolution WRC. With just 53 days between the finish of the 2001 Rally of Great Britain and the 2002 season-opener in Monte Carlo, both François Delecour/Daniel Grataloup and Alister McRae/David Senior have undergone an intense period of familiarisation, not only with their new team but also the Lancer Evolution WRC.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution WRC Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart François Delecour

Deploying their respective expertise will undoubtedly have proved beneficial in the build-up to the first two specialist events of the season. Despite both drivers being renowned for their all-round driving skills, François’ career began on asphalt roads and, as a consequence, the Frenchman focused on the Monte Carlo test, while Alister travelled to the snowy wastes of Lapland in preparation for the second round of the season, the Swedish Rally.

Both drivers benefited from the expertise of Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart’s test driver Lasse Lampi, the Finn who has been an integral part in the development and success of the Lancer Evolution. In France, Delecour covered over 700 kilometres on stages typical of the treacherous Rallye Monte Carlo, encompassing damp, slippery and icy roads near Sisteron and St. Maxime. The Frenchman was impressed from the outset.

"The car feels very good, I’m extremely impressed", he said. "The Mitsubishi engine is very good; with some world rally cars the engine has a short rev range, but this has a very long, smooth power band, which is useful on gravel but essential for tarmac.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution WRC Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart F. Delecour / D. Grataloup

"I did some work on the braking system, reducing the effort required, which means I can brake more precisely, and the grip from the car and the Michelin tyres was excellent.

"The main thing for me now is to concentrate on learning the car - how the transmission works, what other areas affect the behaviour and so on. The transmission is actually very good; the car can be sideways in a corner and a slight dip on the throttle will bring it straight again - it’s fantastic. Of course, I won’t fully know the car until I’ve done two or three rallies, but I have a very good feeling and am definitely looking forward to Monte Carlo".

Adding to his comments, Chief Engineer Bernard Lindauer said: "The test with François has pushed the development of the car much further and his input was extremely good. Fundamentally he is happy the car is a very good package and was impressed with the engine, immediately adopting the technique required to get the best out of the car. It’s given the team a real boost and it’s very motivating to have a driver who is already happy with the car".

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution WRC Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart Alister McRae

Team-mates Alister McRae and David Senior were equally impressed after running the Lancer Evolution WRC near Rovaniemi, on the Arctic Circle. Conditions could not have been more perfect with temperatures down to minus 18 degrees and snow in abundance. While Lampi undertook the first three days, Alister then got behind the wheel and covered 800 kilometres on a variety of bumpy, twisty and high speed roads, setting the car up to suit his own driving style.

"The test went very well. I’m extremely happy with the car and would have no qualms about starting the Swedish Rally with the car as it is right now!" said a delighted Alister. "I’m also very impressed with the team. It is extremely professional, as you would expect, but there is also a feeling of relaxation - no one seems to get stressed, they just work through things methodically and get the results, which is great.

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