Team Damage Control driver Paul Alexander is delighted to announce the acquisition of an ex-Team Mitsubishi Motorsport America Lancer Evo VIII. The open-class, Mellors Elliot Motorsport-built car formed part of the 2-car team that clinched the American ProRally manufacturer's championship in 2003, and represents the biggest step forward yet in Alexander's rally career.

Formerly used to competing in one-make championships and class-based machinery, the Hertfordshire driver will now realise a long-held ambition to compete within the highest class of UK National rallying.

"We've been fortunate enough to use some good cars during the past 5 years, but the Mitsubishi should eclipse them all. I've not even sat in the car yet, but looking at the specification it should be the quickest car I've ever driven"

The car is currently back at the MEM workshops being re-prepared and configured with the latest MEM-developed engine and transmission management systems, before being delivered to SRM-Racing who will run the car on the forthcoming Swansea Bay Rally. The team then hope to campaign the car on a selection of events during the remainder of 2004, before launching an attack on the National rally series in 2005.

"All of our partners have provided tremendous support this season, especially after the car problems and last-minute change of plans that were thrust upon us earlier in the year. We now expect to demonstrate that their confidence in us was justified and really enjoy the remaining events of the season"

The team would specifically like to acknowledge the pivotal role that long-term partner Coordsport Limited has played in securing the new drive, and also hope to announce support from other associate partners in the near future.

Team Damage Control is supported by ISS Damage Control, Rainbow International, Polypipe Civils Ltd, Coordsport, Yokohama, Bill Gwynne Rallyschool International, Mellors Elliot Motorsport (MEM) and Doughty Precision Engineering (DPE).