Otto Mobile 1/18 Mitsubishi Lancer EVO IV No.1 Rally Catalunya 1997 T. Makinen

Otto Mobile 1/18 Mitsubishi Lancer EVO IV No.1 Rally Catalunya 1997 T. Makinen

In 1997, Tommi Mäkinen began the WRC season as reigning champion. Now at the wheel of a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IV, he got off to a steady start in 1997, taking two podiums and one victory in the first four rallies. In Spain, Mäkinen took advantage of a McRae mistake on SS11 to take the lead. A superb duel then ensued with Pierro Liatti (Subaru Impreza S5 WRC). Against the Monte-Carlo 97 winner, Mäkinen gave an impressive performance and clinched his first win on asphalt just 7 seconds ahead of Liatti! The "Flying Finn" proved that he is as comfortable on asphalt as he is on gravel. This success is certainly a major factor in his second consecutive WRC title.