The Mitsubishi Motors UK Rally Team got the defence of its 2008 British Rally Championship campaign off to a flying start this weekend, when Guy Wilks and co-driver Phil Pugh scored a resounding victory in round one, the Pirelli International Rally. Team-mates Phillip Morrow and Daniel Barritt also put in a great performance, finishing fourth overall in what was Morrow’s debut as a Mitsubishi works driver.

“It’s great to carry on from where we left off. I immediately felt comfortable with the new car - and it ran perfectly from start to finish. Although we won by a significant margin the quality of the field meant that it was no foregone conclusion, so I’m very happy to have come out on top against such tough competition. I’m also pleased that things went according to plan. We pulled out a lead on Friday night and then, without taking risks, we were able to extend our advantage while others played catch-up on Saturday. A perfect start to the season.”

Pirelli International Rally - Results
1 Guy Wilks/Phil Pugh (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX) 1:31:32.9
2 Juho Hanninen/Mikko Markkula (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX) 1:32.38.4
3 David Higgins/Ieuan Thomas (Subaru Impreza N14) 1:34:13.7
4 Phillip Morrow/Daniel Barritt (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX) 1:34:21.1
5 Patrik Flodin/Goran Bergsten (Subaru Impreza) 1:35:05.7
6 Stuart Jones/Andy Bull (MG S2000) 1:35:25.8
7 Eyvind Brynildsen/Maria Andersson (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX) 1:36:50.0
8 Jonathan Greer/Jonny Hart (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX) 1:38:15.3
9 Wyn Humfries/Robert Fagg (Subaru Impreza) 1:39:07.2
10 James Wozencroft/Chris ridge (Subaru Impreza) 1:40:47.7

Championship positions

Drivers Points
1 Guy Wilks (GB) 20
2 Juho Hanninen (FIN) 18
3 David Higgins (GB) 16
4 Phillip Morrow (GB) 15
5 Patrik Flodin (S) 14
6 Stuart Jones (GB) 13
7 Eyvind Brynildsen (NO) 12
8 Jonathan Greer (GB) 11
9 Wyn Humphreys (GB) 10
10 James Wozencroft (GB) 9

Teams
1 Mitsubishi Motors UK 36
2 Team TQ.com 30
3 Atlas TEG Sport 29
4 Revolution Wheels 13