MITSUBISHI WORLD RALLY TEAM CONFIRMED

Posted: July 12, 2001 4:14 PM

'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 years World Championship, Loix who is 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, said, 'Today's announcement that the Mitsubishi World Rally Team are coming is brilliant news. Attracting Mitsubishi and Loix is a major coup.'

He continued, 'The event is going to be a real treat for Irish rally fans particular in a year when a lot of the major rallies had to be cancelled due to Foot & Mouth restrictions.'

To run on the services track at Punchestown Racecourse, Rally Masters International is scheduled to get under way at 10:30 with the first of six 4Km runs for the 40 invited drivers.

Set to be an action packed day with entertainment for all the family, tickets to Rally Masters International will be available on the gate at £10 for Adults or £15 for a Family.