Rally Argentina 1999
Tuesday 25 May
COMMUNIQUE 5

MITSUBISHI DRIVER MAKINEN KEEPS CHAMPIONSHIP LEAD IN
ARGENTINA AS MITSUBISHI CLINCHES GROUP N

Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart driver Tommi Makinen has scored an impressive fourth place on the Rally of Argentina, the seventh round of the 1999 FIA World Rally Championship, driving a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. Mitsubishi tasted yet more success in the Group N production class, taking first and second places.

The last day of the rally was fought out in brilliant sunshine and on much drier roads than the first two days. A national holiday brought a carnival atmosphere to the double loop of stages south of Cordoba and the service point in Santa Rosa de Calamuchita. The rally marked Subaru’s return to form, with victory for Juha Kankkunen followed closely by team mate Richard Burns.

Makinen and co-driver Risto Mannisenmaki took fourth place in their dependable Lancer Evolution after a tremendous duel with Carlos Sainz, whose Toyota was slowed by gearbox trouble. The Finns jointly hold their World Championship lead with Didier Auriol.

"It was not quite the result I wanted, but it is always good to finish and score World Championship points. We are still in a very good position in the championship", Makinen said.

Belgian crew Freddy Loix and Sven Smeets looked set to finish in the top 10 when they crashed their Mitsubishi Carisma GT on SS17.

"We were doing about 130 km/h when the car became unstable and we went off the road. I am disappointed not to finish but we have learned for next year", Loix stated.

"It’s been a tough rally. We’re never happy to finish fourth, but under the circumstances, it’s a good result. Once we overcame a few problems, Tommi has been very happy with the car and very quick. This was always going to be one of Freddy’s most difficult rallies and unfortunately he got caught out and rolled", Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart team manager Phil Short.

Mitsubishi crushed all opposition in Group N thanks to triple World Champion Gustavo Trelles. A flawless performance from Trelles and Argentine co-driver Martin Christie gave them the World Championship lead and a comfortable victory. Former winner Jorge Recalde was second in another Lancer Evolution.

"It is always good to win, but I am especially pleased to do it in South America", said Trelles, who comes from Uruguay. "This is a very tough rally and the car has been faultless", he added.

Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart’s next appearance will be the Acropolis Rally in Greece, the eighth round of the World Rally Championship, which runs from June 6-9.