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RALLY: New car makes promising debut

16 May 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Czech driver Michal Gargulk, gave his new factory specification Group A Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI a pleasing fifth place finish on last weekends Volkswagen Rally, a round of the Czech national championship.

The car, which was jointly built and developed by Ralliart United Kingdom and Mellors Elliot Motorsport, performed faultlessly throughout the two day event and but for a puncture on the penultimate stage was heading for a possible top three finish.

Ralliart's Peter Collinson was encouraged by the result; "This was the cars first outing and we have learned a lot." he said "We felt that third was achievable but the puncture unfortunately put paid to that".

The rally was dominated by the factory Skoda Octavia WRC of Roman Kresta and Jan Tomnek who finished nearly half a minute ahead of second placed Subaru Impreza WRC of Tomas Hrdinka and Karel Jirtko, with the Ford Escort WRC of Ladislav Keek and Jan Kreman rounding off the top three.

The team are now looking forward to the cars next outing which takes place in Kosice, Slovakia in two weeks time.

Text provided by Sean Warburton

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