Mitsubishi boss praises Rally Norway

Mitsubishi entered Daniel Carlsson, one of two WRC drivers competing in Rally Norway, and in addition another 19 drivers participated with Mitsubishi cars in the Norwegian official FIA WRC candidate event on 10 and 11 February 2006. Daniel Carlsson came fresh from the WRC podium after finishing 3rd at the Uddeholm Swedish Rally and was running in 2nd for most of Rally Norway behind local hero Henning Solberg, until Carlsson drove into a snowbank and was forced to retire on SS 12.  President and Managing Director of Mitsubishi Motors Motor Sports, Mr Isao Torii, was nonetheless positive about his team's experience.

"First of all I'd like to say congratulations for a very good candidate event. Our expectations of Norway – fun and organised – were exceeded. I like Norway's spirit, passion, enthusiasm and its firm intention to have a WRC event in Norway," he said after the event.

"We have confirmed that the snow rally conditions in Norway are very different to those in Sweden. Sweden's rally is high speed, flat, with icy roads; whereas Norway is snowy, narrow roads and the car going up and down a lot more. The conditions are totally different, and from a driver point of view, another interesting challenge. For our team, we have learned a lot of ideas from this weekend in the Rally Norway setting."

"I was very impressed with the hospitality shown, and the total professionalism, including the personal involvement of the Prime Minister. I cannot single out one event but I hope the FIA will consider Norway's efforts and make a suitable decision about its status for the WRC calendar."

"Mitsubishi has announced its withdrawal from WRC this year, although we may consider a comeback in 2008 or later. If it happens, Mitsubishi would certainly like to attend Norway as part of the WRC."