Mitsubishi could open for business

Ralliart Europe, which runs Tommi Makinen's and Freddy Loix's cars from its base in Rugby, has never followed other teams' leads and sold on its rally cars after they've completed two or three events. Instead, used shells and parts have often been crushed, while engines are returned to Mitsubishi in Japan.

But at the introduction to the new Lancer World Rally Car, Cowan admitted that the sheer number of privateer WRCs now in circulation could make the practice too good a business opportunity to miss.

"It's something we've got to consider seriously," he said. "I had some of my staff down at the Madeira Rally recently and they were telling me how many World Rally Cars were down there, being run by the works teams or personnel from the works teams. We're aware of the fact that it's very good business and that it could help finance areas of development and so forth."

He added: "We'll have to look at this business because it's expanding - there's no doubt about it. It would be a big step for us but it's certainly a possibility and we'll be looking at it."

Of the other WRC teams, Prodrive has the most proficient customer operation, while Peugeot and Ford (via M-Sport) both sell on old works cars. Hyundai's rally partner Motor Sport Developments has also sold the bulk of its Accent WRCs.