Rally Argentina 1999
Saturday 22 May
COMMUNIQUE 2

MITSUBISHI LANCER DRIVER MAKINEN
HOLDS SECOND ON RALLY ARGENTINA

Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart has made a fine start to the seventh round of the 1999 FIA World Rally Championship, the Rally Argentina, as World Rally Championship leader Tommi Makinen grabbed second place in his Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. Mitsubishi Carisma GT-driving team-mate Freddy Loix held 12th place after a careful start, while Mitsubishis dominated the leaderboard in the Group N production class.

In overcast but dry conditions, an enormous crowd thronged the first stage of the rally on the outskirts of Cordoba. They were treated to a fantastic spectacle, with three cars running simultaneously on a specially constructed track. But competitors are greeted with wild enthusiasm wherever they go, hordes of fans demanding autographs at every opportunity.

Tommi Makinen, co-driven by fellow Finn Risto Mannisenmaki, has never been beaten in three visits to Argentina and paced himself coolly on the opening 3.9-kilometre stage, well aware that later stages will suit the Michelin-equipped Lancer Evolution.

"We had to be a bit careful on some of the narrow places, which is where Carlos Sainz was faster, but the car feels good and I am sure tomorrow we can do better", he promised.

Belgians Freddy Loix and Sven Smeets have never contested this rally before and are anxious to finish in their Carisma GT, but Loix admitted he had been too cautious.

"I am sure I was much too slow on the jumps, taking too much care not to damage the car. It wasn’t a good start, but the stage is short and tomorrow is much more important", Loix said.

"Tommi was nice and neat and quick. He’s in a good position for the rest of the first leg. Freddy was maybe a bit too careful, but he knows he is here to learn", declared Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart director Andrew Cowan.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolutions and Carismas are leading Group N, the ultimate test of a production car’s strength and speed. Oman’s rising star Hamed Al Wahaibi forged into a narrow lead from Uruguay’s triple World Group N Champion Gustavo Trelles, with fellow Uruguayan Gabriel Mendez in fourth.

"We had a good, clean run, kept away from trouble and surprised ourselves with our time", al Wahaibi stated.

The first leg resumes on Sunday for seven further stages, totalling 133 kilometres, around Mina Clavero.