Panizzi facing “real test”

The asphalt expert finished sixth on the opening rally of the WRC season in Monte Carlo and retired from last month's Swedish event with gearbox problems.

But he says his team have worked hard since then developing the car and reckons he can be a top contender in the Mexican event, the first North American WRC event in over 15 years.

"We are really at the beginning and for me this test is the first real test with this car," he explained. "Before Monte Carlo and Sweden the plan was just to drive the car and see everything.

"Now we have started with the development and okay, I am happy because we have found some things and the engineers can find solutions for the suspension, diffs, traction, gearbox, everything.

"I am happy because the car has progressed and we are going in the right direction. We need time, but the engineers and mechanics do a great job and I am very confident. There is a good spirit, and that counts for a lot."

Panizzi and his co-driver Herve Panizzi will be joined at Mitsubishi by Gigi Galli and co-driver Guido D'Amore.