Mitsubishi rally specialists MML Sports continue to excel all over the world, with the Daventry-based team’s latest successes coming with an impressive podium 1-2-3 lockout on the loose surface Guru Nanak Rally in Kenya and a second place finish on the fast, all-asphalt Rallye Vosgien in France.
Guru Nanak Rally, Kenya (8 October 2017)
Carl Tundo led from start to finish to win the Multiple Hauliers Guru Nanak Rally, which was held on the outskirts of Naivasha Town that lies 75kms north west of Nairobi and close to the Lake Nakuru National Park. Driving an MML Sports built Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, Tundo (a former Kenyan National Rally Champion) and co-driver Tim Jessop set fastest time on all six stages to win the event for a fourth time by 3mins 46secs.
Winner of the Guru Nanak Rally in 2013 Baldev Chager and co-driver Ravi Soni finished second in another MML Mitsubishi Evolution X, while completing the stunning MML podium hat-trick, Jassi Chatthe – who was co-driven for the first time by Welshman James Morgan – finished 51secs behind in third having been delayed with a puncture. As well as being built by MML, Chatthe’s Team Kibos car was also prepared and run on the event by the British operation, who had travelled to Kenya to provide its renowned and industry-leading customer service and support.
“It went very well for us right from the start to the very end,” said Tundo’s co-driver Jessop. “We set fastest stage times in all the stages, which proves that the car and the driver behaved very well and were true to the competition. We are very happy to get back to winning ways – it was a good rally.”
The victory moves Tundo up to second in the 2017 Kenya National Rally Championship overall standings, just two points behind Ian Duncan (who finished fourth on the Guru Nanak Rally).
Rally Vosgien, France (23/24 September)
Chris Van Woesnel continued his successful season in his MML-built Mitsubishi Lancer WRC 05 with class victory and second overall on the Rallye Vosgien. Having won the Rallye National Epernay Vins de Champagne earlier in the year, the 51-year old Belgian driver once again battled for victory throughout the challenging two-day, 10-stage, 175km asphalt event.
Co-driven by Rik Snaet, he and Van Wodenal led for three stages at mid-distance before eventually finishing the event 18.8 seconds behind William Wagner/Kévin Parent (Ford Fiesta R5) and over a minute ahead of third placed Maxime Perrin/Mélodie Artzner (Porche 997 GT3).
“We gave it everything in the closing stages, but it wasn’t quite enough,” said Van Woesnel. “We were competitive from the word go, the Mitsubishi Lancer WRC never missed a beat. It was great rally and a great battle. I’ll therefore be back to try and win it next year!”
Commenting about his car’s latest results, MML Managing Director John Easton said: “It’s been a very satisfying couple of weeks. To score a second-place on asphalt with one of our WRC05 specification Lancers and then two-weeks later to claim all three podium places in Kenya with our R4 specification Evos, shows that our cars are competitive in their classes; whatever the conditions, surface or nature of the events. We congratulate the drivers, co-drivers and everyone involved with these very impressive results.”