Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart today confirmed that Finnish driver Jani Paasonen will pilot a third works Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution WRC on the fifth round of the 2002 FIA World Rally Championship, the Cyprus Rally. This will be the second time this season that Paasonen and co-driver Arto Kapanen will compete alongside Mitsubishi regulars François Delecour/Daniel Grataloup and Alister McRae/David Senior.

The decision to run Paasonen was taken as a result of his excellent performance on the 2002 Uddeholm Swedish Rally in February, where he and Kapanen ran as high as fourth overall before losing time as a result of a broken wheel and finishing 14th. Paasonen's participation in Cyprus will also bolster Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart's challenge on one of the toughest events of the season, traversing the low speed, rock-strewn stages of the Mediterranean island.

Commenting on the decision, Team Director John Easton said "It will be good to give Jani another opportunity with the team after his excellent performance in Sweden. Obviously we'll be looking for him to gain more experience of the car and the team, as well as the event itself, both for this rally and hopefully the future. Having Jani in the car will help strengthen our challenge on an event we feel will suit both the team and the car and allow both to show their potential."

The Cyprus Rally joined the World Rally Championship in 2000, replacing the China Rally, and this year will be the first time that Paasonen will compete on the event. However, it is a challenge that he is clearly relishing; "I'm very happy to get the chance to drive for Mitsubishi again," said the Finn. "I haven't been to Cyprus before but I do know that it is a very difficult rally. However, after Sweden I have a much better idea of how the team works and the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution WRC is an extremely strong car - I have 110% trust in the car and the team."