Mitsubishi Driver Line-up 2002

[SJ Spode]

Press Release from Ralliart


Ralliart Inc. today (Wednesday 24 October) announced the Mitsubishi Ralliart Europe World Rally Team driver line-up for 2002 and 2003, consisting of France’s François Delecour, partnered by Daniel Grataloup and Britain’s Alister McRae, co-driven by David Senior.

The combination of McRae and Delecour should produce one of the strongest pairings in the championship. In an era of specialist drivers for different surfaces, the Mitsubishi Ralliart Europe team is delighted to have secured the services of two genuine all-rounders, who both have proven speed and ability on all the surfaces which make up the modern World Rally Championship.

In addition to outright speed and ability on the stages, both Alister and François have demonstrated the necessary skills required to develop a new car, which will prove useful as the team moves forward with the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution WRC, Mitsubishi’s first world rally car.

François spent the 2001 season competing with Ford, in the third of the works Focus’ and it was a year he enjoyed. However, the opportunity to join the Mitsubishi Ralliart Europe team was one that he could not pass up.

"For sure it will be very good to drive for Mitsubishi, a team that has produced a four-times world champion - it’s a fantastic opportunity for me. I have been extremely impressed with the car during 2001, particularly in Safari, where Tommi was so fast and the car was so strong on a very difficult rally. I realise there is a new car but with Mitsubishi’s history, I’m positive it will be successful and I’m very pleased to be part of the team, " commented François.

Complementing François’ vast experience and flamboyant nature is Alister McRae’s more reserved and calculating style, although with no less experience of the World Rally Championship. Two years in the Hyundai Accent World Rally Car, developing it alongside achieving laudable results, means he brings an excellent combination of skills to the Mitsubishi team.

"For me, this is a very exciting time and I’m very much looking forward to working with the Mitsubishi team", said Alister. "The team clearly is one that knows how to succeed, as four drivers’ and one manufacturers’ championship demonstrates. And for next year, I’m sure we can help develop the car further and win rallies and more championships in the future".

Ralliart Europe Chairman, Andrew Cowan, said; "We are delighted to have been able to secure the services of these two very experienced drivers, François (Delecour) and Alister (McRae).

François, with his pace and commitment, which he demonstrates on each and every rally, along with his vast experience, will be a tremendous asset to the team, as well as the development of the new car.

Alister has an enormous amount of experience and has already demonstrated his ability and determination. We are looking forward to seeing him help develop the car but also achieve the success that we believe he is capable of, as part of a proven championship-winning team.

I personally feel that the combination of Alister and François, and the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution WRC, will help the team and Mitsubishi move forward into a new era of success in the World Rally Championship".

As is standard practice within the Mitsubishi Ralliart Europe team, both drivers will receive equal status, ensuring equal resource and equal opportunity to prove their own abilities and those of the Lancer Evolution WRC. François and Alister will be the permanently nominated Mitsubishi manufacturer entries on every round of the 2002 World Rally Championship.

[SJ Spode]

A very good move from Ralliart, mixing youth and experience. Looking forward to seeing Alister's performances when the Lancer WRC overcomes it's teething troubles.

[rdjones]

It will be nice to see McRae the younger and good car, will he be up there challaging Colin for the title next season, I do hope so.

[Speedworx]

Alister McRae - yes

Francois Delecour - NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't like this guy, he is pants.

[DAVID PATERSON]

I think Mitsubishi have done well to get two of the better drivers available on the market at the moment and surely this is a step up for both drivers. Going from Hyundai to Mitsubishi is a step up and going from #3 at Ford to equal #1 at Mitsubishi is also a big step up.