New car for Makinen

The new Lancer WRC will make its debut in San Remo

Finland's Tommi Makinen is a little more than two months away from a new drive, following the official launch of Mitsubishi's first World Rally Car.

A week after Makinen and Belgian Freddy Loix tested the car, the Japanese manufacturer unveiled the new Lancer Evolution WRC that the two drivers will debut in the San Remo Rally in October.

Mitsubishi has previously used Group A cars, which are permitted to run fewer modifications than WRC cars, on the world championship.

But the firm has created the new model to keep pace with its championship rivals.

"It's exciting to be involved in the World Rally car project and it was great to drive the car for the first time," Loix said.

Makinen has won four world titles with Mitsubishi and is on course for an unprecedented fifth this year. The team also have 26 rally wins since 1992.