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Panizzi Takes Three Points in Lancer WRC04 at Rallye Monte-Carlo Tokyo, January 26, 2004 - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) and MMSP, the holding company for MMC's worldwide motor sport activities, contested the opening round of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) last weekend and scored points in their debut outing after a year's sabbatical for the series. The tiny Principality of Monaco hosted Rallye Monte-Carlo and 38-year-old Gilles Panizzi claimed sixth overall in the first event for the new Lancer WRC04. Three points in both the Drivers' and Manufacturers' Championships was a fitting reward for the whole team. Rolf Eckrodt, CEO and President of MMC, said: "After a year away from the series we are very happy to get points in our first event. We have a passion for motor sport and a history of high performance and teamwork and we are delighted to be back in the World Rally Championship, the pinnacle of motor sport besides Formula One. Our results are borne from our strong challenging spirit. Mitsubishi Motors will continue to pass the technical knowledge it gains through racing competition to our customers who drive our products." Adding to his comments, Sven Quandt, MMSP's Head of Motorsport, said: "To have scored points like this, when the car is still so new and we also have new drivers, is quite exceptional; we are delighted with the team success in our first event back in the World Rally Championship. Two weekends ago we won the Dakar Rally and last weekend we made a successful return to the WRC. Points have been a great bonus at the start of this challenging year. These results demonstrate Mitsubishi's commitment to motor sport." "I am very happy," added Gilles. "We did not make a lot of testing and of course we are all completely surprised we have not had more problems the first time the car has run in these conditions. To finish and score points is very good. I am confident with the team and the car, and this is the start of a new chapter in my motor sport career; I have found a good team." With the introduction of the Japan Rally in the 2004 series, MMC is also focused on its home event and will be looking to set an electrifying pace on the north island's gravel stages in September.

http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=1998_mega_monte_carlo-1.jpg http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=1998_mega_monte_carlo-2.jpg Aixam-Mega Started in 1983, the French Aixam Group started producing two and four wheel vehicles that could be driven without a license. This production evolved into the micro-car market and, in 1992, a motor sport program was started under the new Mega name. The first production road car from Mega was the Track. It used the Mercedes V12, delivering 394 horsepower to all four wheels. A unique feature of the Track was it's adjustable ride height. At full height, the car raised it's clearance from eight to thirteen inches! Only five examples of the Track were completed, before a new more exciting product would take its place. The Monte Carlo Mega decided to join the small group of manufacturers producing exclusive supercars in 1996. Their acquisition of Monte-Carlo Automobile Ltd included plans to build an exclusive super sports car for both the road and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Mega turned to Sera CD, a vehicle engineering Research and Development Company, for design of the Monte Carlo. SERA CD used computer aided design to manufacture the first prototype which included special attention paid to the flat underbody and rear diffuser. Much like the Porsche 917s and F1 cars built by Sera CD, the Monte Carlo was both striking and purpose built. The first Monte Carlo was displayed at the 1996 Geneva Motor Show. It showcased proven engineering which included a carbon fiber chassis, carbon fibre brakes and a mid-mounted, Mercedes V12 engine. By 1998 a production version was ready with optional carbon brakes and rear wing. Conclusion Production of cars such as the Mega Monte Carlo is a rare occurrence. Seldom does a small manufacturer have the resources to develop, market and produce such a complex product, especially against huge conglomerates and global brands. Companies such as Mega, Pagani and Koenigsegg should be recognized not only for their radical design, but for their determination to create exceptional automobiles for such small markets.