Former Peugeot protégé Daniel Carlsson look set to drive an ex-works Mitsubishi Lancer WRC on next weekend's Uddeholm Swedish Rally. The Swede was already set to compete on his home event in a Group N car, but is trying to make the step up to the top class following the late availability of a car.
Ex-works Mitsubishi driver Gigi Galli has already been entered for the event in a Lancer WRC run by Mitsubishi Ralliart Italy and former employees of the works Mitsubishi team in Rugby. His team-mate last year, Harri Rovanpera, had been set to drive a second Lancer WRC, but is now entered in a Citroen Xsara WRC, although it's unclear which team is running this car.
Carlsson is just waiting for confirmation of the switch in class from the FIA, world motorsport's governing body, and Swedish rally organisers, but said he was hopeful that the move would be possible. "Without the support and the fantastic offer from Mitsubishi this would never have been possible," he said on his official website. "With help from old as well as new partners we have been able to make this dream come true."
Other recent changes for the Swedish entry include the addition of Argentinean privateer Luis-Perez Companc in a third Stobart VK Ford-run Focus WRC.
- wrc-
photo archiv automobilsport.com by Luc Depiesse
