MITSUBISHI MOTORS/1999 WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP

During competitive section two on the 1999 Safari Rally, car number one, driven by Tommi Makinen and Risto Mannisenmaki suffered two rear punctures. They stopped to change the wheels themselves but during the course of that change they received unsolicited interference by enthusiastic local people.

Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart believes that the presence of these people and their action were a hindrance. This is clearly shown on the film submitted to the stewards by Toyota Castrol Team in support of their protest. Tommi Makinen and Risto Mannisenmaki tried to stop the actions of the locals but were unsuccessful.

This unique African situation has been experienced by all teams and competitors at some point during Safari rallies. Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart is uncertain as to how such occurrences can be avoided in the future.

Following a hearing the stewards of the meeting imposed the penalty of exclusion for this offence. Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart accept the stewards decision and will not be making an appeal in the interest of the spirit of competition within the World Rally Championship.

FINAL OVERALL CLASSIFICATION
1.C.McRAE/N.GRIST	GB/GB	FORD FOCUS	8.41.39.1
*.T.MAKINEN/R.MANNISENMAKI	FIN/FIN	MITSUBISHI LANCER	8.49.28.2
2.D.AURIOL/D.GIRAUDET	F/F	TOYOTA COROLLA	8.56.05.3
3.C.SAINZ/L.MOYA	E/E	TOYOTA COROLLA	8.59.46.3
4.I.DUNCAN/D.WILLIAMSON	EAK/EAK	TOYOTA COROLLA	9.05.35.7
5.P.SOLBERG/F.GALLAGHER	N/GB	FORD FOCUS	9.26.28.2
6.H.ROVANPERA/R.PIETILAINEN	FIN/FIN	SEAT CORDOBA	9.40.08.4
7.F.DOR/K.GORMLEY	F/GB	SUBARU IMPREZA	9.41.38.2
8.H.AL-WAHAIBI/T.SIRCOMBE	OM/NZ	MITSUBISHI LANCER Gr.N	10.05.09.0
9.L.CLIMENT/A.ROMANI	E/E	MITSUBISHI CARISMA GT Gr.N	10.08.24.2
10.H.MIYOSHI/E.OSAWA	J/J	SUBARU IMPREZA Gr.N	10.42.00.8