1999 Cross Country Rallies

BAJA OF PORTUGAL TELECEL 1000 (17-20 JUNE)
1999 FIA WORLD CUP FOR CROSS COUNTRY RALLIES / ROUND 4

Shinozuka Continues World Cup Challenge
in Portugal with Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero

Arguably the world's leading cross country rally driver, Japan's Kenjiro Shinozuka continues his attack on the FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies in the Baja Telcel 1000, held near Estoril in Portugal on June 17-20. He will again drive the world-beating Team PIAA Ralliart Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero.

MAP Shinozuka, who is running a closely fought battle this year with buggy driver Jean-Louis Schlesser, once again faces stiff opposition on the event which features approximately 650 km of competitive driving over rough dirt tracks based around Portugal's famous motor sporting town of Estoril near the capital Lisbon and home of the national Formula One circuit.

In addition to Schlesser's buggy, a host of other competitors will be challenging for victory driving everything from Nissans to Toyotas, Mercedes and a range of off-road machines. Although Shinozuka is probably the best equipped to win in his Mitsubishi, victory on cross country events is frequently down to good fortune against the odds. Also driving a Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero on this event will be German lady driver Jutta Kleinschmidt, the first female driver in history to ever get a podium position on the famous Dakar Rally, and she too will be aiming for her first victory.

After a short prologue to the main event of between two and ten kilometres, Shinozuka and his rivals will face two circuits of a 320km arduous, twisting course, with only 15 minutes for servicing and repairs between laps.

Previous winners include Ari Vatanen, Timo Salonen and Shinozuka's main rival for the championship crown, Schlesser, won in 1992. Kenjiro will travel to Portugal seeking his first victory on this gruelling event.

"It's a twisty course, so I think it will suit the Pajero/Montero. I'd really like to be able to add this rally to my Italian Baja victory to make it two wins !" Shinozuka said.