Ajaccio, Corsica -- 2002 Canadian rally champion and North American Group N champion Patrick Richard is in Corsica for the next round of the World Rally Championship. Patrick and the Subaru Rally Team Canada spent the weekend in the northern part of the island, testing their 2003 Impreza WRX STi and making last minute preparations.

"This was my first chance to have a test on real asphalt rally roads with this car" said Patrick. "We tested a new type of suspension and we also tested a new evolution of the gearbox. We are putting 100% effort into the preparation and hopefully we can finish in the points."

Rallye de France has a formidable reputation and is arguably the most dangerous event in the championship with rally veterans Tommi Mdkinen and Colin McRae both suffering spectacular crashes in recent years. The course is extremely twisty, with sheer roadside cliffs, fast corners and heavy G-forces.

Patrick and co-driver Ola Flvene will conduct their reconnaissance on Tuesday and Wednesday. The ceremonial start is Thursday evening and then the action begins on Friday with the event running over three days and 396 km of classic all-asphalt stages. Saturday could be the toughest day with six stages running over 189 km. The long and varied 40.7km Col de Carazzi to Bastelica stage is one of the longest in the championship and is likely to be an exceptional test of endurance.

"The rally has an intimidating reputation" said Patrick, "However I'll be putting that out of my head and driving to finish. It's my first time at this event so I'm looking forward to gaining the experience."

Patrick is the only North American to be competing in the WRC and this will be his sixth and final WRC event of the season. "Subaru and the whole country have been very supportive of our efforts this year" he said. "I think it's been something special from the point of view of the North American rally scene and we're already working hard to see that we can solidify a program for 2004."

Further information about the Rallye de France:
http://www.rallyedefrance.com/
Further information about Patrick Richard: http://www.patrickrichard.com

Press inquiries: Tim Gage
[email protected]
604 505 5960