Panizzi's fine result marks the first time since the Safari Rally in 2001 that Mitsubishi Motors has finished a World Championship rally on the podium.

"In 2004 Mitsubishi Motors put into effect a three-year plan to revamp its WRC commitment," said Akira Kijima, Managing Director and Head of Production Operations for Mitsubishi Motors and responsible for motor sport activities. "Before Rally Japan in September 2004, we postponed our challenge and put our efforts into developing the Lancer WRC. This year marks the second year of our commitment and our aim has been to stand on the podium. That commitment has been achieved.

"On the 2005 Dakar Rally, Mitsubishi clinched its fifth straight win and 10th overall victory in this world-famous event," added Kijima. "Our third position in the Rallye Monte-Carlo is testament to the technological superiority and strong teamwork of the Mitsubishi team. It is also a tribute to the passion and enthusiasm Mitsubishi has towards motor sport. I am extremely proud that we were able to achieve this result on the opening event of the season. I also think that Mr. Panizzi has tremendous potential on tarmac stages and he certainly showed that ability on this event. For Mitsubishi, motor sport is not just a promotional tool but the basis of its brand. We at Mitsubishi have taken our cars to the limits of performance through competition in the World Rally Championship (WRC) and the Dakar. We take that know-how and put it into all our production cars. Not only do we strive to make cars that are durable and safe, but cars that have great driving ability. We will continue to put effort into our motor sport activities in the future and raise the value of Mitsubishi."

Isao Torii, President of Mitsubishi Motors Motor Sports added: "I am extremely satisfied with this splendid result. Before the 2004 Rally Japan, Mitsubishi pulled out of the WRC and devoted its efforts to improving body-related problems with the suspension, engine and transmission on the Lancer WRC. I think that ultimately led to the tremendous progress witnessed by this result. Our aim for 2005 was to return to competitiveness in the WRC and to be able to do that on the opening event is wonderful. The 2005 season has started out great for us with the Dakar as well as the WRC."

Gilles Panizzi

"I am really delighted with third overall. I am pleased that the car performed well after taking a year off for development; the Lancer WRCs improved suspension, wider chassis and enhanced engine have made it easy to drive. Although there were some problems during the event, the WRC05 still has the potential to be even faster. I truly look forward to its evolution. I strongly felt the splendid teamwork and Mitsubishi's development ability throughout my involvement."

Rallye Monte-Carlo - Final positions

FIA World Rally Championship for Drivers

FIA World Rally Championship for Manufacturers