Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart, which has proven to be dominant on the Dakar series over the last few years, has been given the opportunity to conquer Central Europe.

The driver line-up will feature Luc Alphand / Gilles Picard (France), Hiroshi Masuoka / Pascal Maimon (Japan / France), Stephane Peterhansel / Jean-Paul Cottret (France) and Joan Nani Roma / Lucas Cruz (Spain), who had all been entered to compete in the 2008 Dakar which was cancelled due to terrorist threats.

The Central Europe Rally is due to start in Budapest, Hungary, on Sunday April 20, and its program includes seven competitive sections in Hungary and Romania before the finish beside Lake Balaton on Saturday April 26. The Central European Rally is under half the distance covered of the Dakar Rally, with only 1,570km of against the clock action.

Participation in the Central Europe Rally will not replace 2009 participation of the Dakar, as the Dakar will remain the flagship fixture in Mitsubishi’s racing Calendar, taking place in South America.