Rally Tour de Corse : Mitsubishi Motors - Shakedown
Amid difficult weather conditions, the Mitsubishi Motors Motor Sports WRC team completed its final preparations for the Rallye de France - Tour de Corse at today`s shakedown. The three Lancer WRC05 crews are as prepared as possible for what looks to be a mixed bag of weather on what is traditionally one of the most unpredictable rounds of the series.
“Our drivers were happy after shakedown but, like everyone, we cannot predict exactly what the weather is going to do,” commented Roger Estrada, Principal Rally Engineer. “The weather and tires are always a big issue here because the conditions can change so quickly, but we are as prepared as we can be.”
Gilles Panizzi is the ‘King of Corsica` and the Frenchman, with co-driver Hervé Panizzi, has won this Mediterranean island event twice (2000 and 2002). However, despite this, Gilles is all too aware of how tricky the conditions are and how much lucky plays a hand in the outcome.
“I am very happy to be with the team; Corsica is the best tarmac rally in the world,” he said. “The feeling is good here and I want to feel well with the car, that is the priority for me. If that happens, then I think I can drive fast. We spent this morning looking at some small things, but always there is a 50/50 compromise because of the conditions. After heavy rain, the roads will not be so clean and you just never know when you are sitting in service when the rain is exactly going to come. The sky changes all the time and sometimes you just have to play with the conditions; for sure it is never easy though.”
Harri Rovanperä and Risto Pietiläinen have more limited experience on Corsica, but the Finns take heart from gaining great experience in Germany, in August, after not contesting an asphalt event since 2002. “It`s a very difficult rally and especially for me as I have not competed here in a few years,” said Harri. “I don`t really have a clear idea of how conditions change with the varying weather, but we will try our best to learn and understand. Tires choices will be very difficult, but my target is to try for the podium.”
“Gigi” Galli and Guido d`Amore are driving a third Mitsubishi Lancer WRC05 in the event and the pair will once again be looking to gain experience of the tight and twisty mountain roads. “It will be difficult during the rally as the recce was completely dry and there has been torrential rain since,” said Gigi. “That obviously has a big impact on our pace notes, and it`s difficult enough to understand how much grip you have in different places anyway. Every corner on this rally is different, you have no idea how much grip there is, so you`re on the edge all the time.”
This year`s Rallye de France - Tour de Corse, the 49th in its history, kicks off tonight with a ceremonial start alongside the Port but the real competition begins tomorrow when the crews contest the opening two stages, both repeated during the afternoon.


Tags: mitsubishi, galli, rovanpera, france, corsica,