By Glenn Freeman Thursday, December 14th 2006, 15:32 GMT
Mitsubishi have confirmed that they will return to the World Rally Championship in 2007.
Mitsubishi Motors Motorsport (MMSP) have announced that they will enter two cars as a 'Manufacturer Team', which will supersede the M2 category from 2006.
The designation as a Manufacturer Team means that they do not have to contest every round of the championship.
The two Mitsubishis will compete on the 12 European events next year, but they will skip the long-haul rallies on the 16-round schedule.
The announcement comes just one year after Mitsubishi withdrew from the WRC while the company began a revitalisation programme.
However, at the time of the withdrawal, the manufacturer was keen to point out that they were only 'suspending' their participation, and they expected to return in 2008.
MMSP worked with customer teams throughout 2006, and the highlight of the year was a podium finish for Daniel Carlsson in Rally Sweden.
Toni Gardemeister will lead the new attack, and he will be joined at the team by 2005 Middle East rally champion Khalid Al Qassimi.
The drivers will compete at Rally Monte Carlo in 2005-spec machines, before later switching to a 2007 car.
