The Mitsubishi World Rally Team are to make their first ever trip to Ireland later this month when Belgian driver Freddy Loix competes at the Rally Masters International at Punchestown on July 28th. The Belgian is the second world championship driver in a week to be confirmed for the rally spectacular, which takes place at the famous Racecourse near Naas, and the 30-year-old will drive his Mitsubishi Carisma GT on the event.
'Fast Freddy', as he is known by his home fans, joins England's Richard Burns as one of the star international entries for the one day event and will face tough opposition from top Irish drivers such as Andrew Nesbitt, Austin McHale, Frank Meagher, Kenny McKinstry, James Cullen and Eamonn Boland. Currently lying ninth in this year's World Championship and managed by Irishman Sean O'Connor, burst on to the world scene in 1997 before becoming a full time driver for the Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart team in 1999, where he has been a team-mate of four times world rally champion Tommi Makinen.
Commenting on the news that the Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart team are to compete at Rally Masters International, Tom Nolan, Clerk of the Course for the event, admitted: "The decision of the Mitsubishi World Rally Team to come to Punchestown is brilliant news. Attracting Mitsubishi and Loix is a major coup. The event is going to be a real treat for Irish rally fans, particularly in a year when a lot of the major rallies had to be cancelled due to Foot & Mouth restrictions."
The event is scheduled to get under way at 10:30am on July 28th with the first of six 4Km runs for the 40 invited drivers on the services track at the racecourse. Tickets will be available on the gate at £10 for adults or £15 for a family.
Filed by Shane Murray
