Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart’s team manager, Phil Short is to retire from rally team management at the end of the 2000 season.

Former British Champion co-driver Phil Short joined Mitsubishi Ralliart in 1995. Since joining the team he has orchestrated Tommi Makinen’s four consecutive drivers’ titles (1996-1999) and a manufacturers’ title for Mitsubishi in 1998. During his career he has worked with Ari Vatanen, Stig Blomqvist, Carlos Sainz, Juha Kankkunen, Didier Auriol, Richard Burns, and Tommi Makinen amongst many others. Short has represented Ford, Audi, Toyota and Mitsubishi at international level winning 46 World Rally Championship events. "It is an entirely personal decision", said 55 year old Phil Short. "I decided that 20 years in team management was quite long enough. I would like to spend more time at home in Yorkshire with my wife. Over the last 10 years, I have calculated that I have spent less than four of them under my own roof!"

"I have been fortunate enough to have enjoyed a very successful career. I would particularly like to pay tribute to Andrew Cowan for the belief and trust he has placed in me. I would also like to thank the team for their support and the great moments of success we have shared together over the years", he added.

"At the moment I have no particular plans for the future. I have been involved in rallying all my working life and I hope I will continue to be associated somehow in the years ahead".

Phil Short’s final event as team manager for Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart will be the Rally of Great Britain in November. His replacement will be announced shortly.