August 21, 2023

Mitsubishi Tritron Ralliart Bags Team Championship At 2023 Asia Cross Country Rally


Team Mitsubishi Ralliart bagged the Team Championship in the 2023 Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR) thanks to a 100 percent finish record for its all-new, sixth-generation Triton pickup truck.

The #101 Triton, driven by Chayapon Yotha (Thailand) and Peerapong Sombutwong (Thailand), finished the six-day rally in third place, earning Team Mitsubishi Ralliart a podium place. #112 Triton, driven by Katsuhiko Taguchi (Japan) and Takahiro Yasui (Japan), finished in eighth, while #106 Triton, driven by Rifat Sungkar (Indonesia) and Chupong Chaiwan (Thailand) finished in 32nd.

The Team Championship, which is contested between teams that entered two or more vehicles, combines the time of the top two vehicles of each time. It proves a car’s consistency when it comes to robustness and reliability after traversing 2,033.42 kilometers including 973.98 kilometers of special stages (SS)

“Overall, road surface conditions were very tough this year. Even so, we managed to complete all the Special Stages, and thanks to the team, we were able to help each other and cross the finish line. Of course, we wanted to be higher up, and we wanted to get back to our best position – a win in the rally and to get the trophy. Needless to say, the overall performance and drivability of the Triton has improved compared with last year. My impression is that it has improved comprehensively including the engine, suspension, and frame. Next year I hope to be stronger and try again,” said Chayapon Yotha upon crossing the ceremonial finish held at Prasat Wat Phu, a World Heritage site of a ruined temple.

Meanwhile, for his first cross-country rally, Taguchi said, “I had no problems with driving the car and driving on roads without pace notes when I actually drove in the rally. The all-new Triton is very robust and easy to drive with good handling.”

“It’s been a tougher fight than we imagined this year. We struggled in some parts, especially in the first half, on the intricate and complicated course. We gradually picked up the pace in the second half of the rally and Chayapon (Yotha) was able to improve his position, eventually finishing 3rd overall. Of course I’m disappointed, but the results will certainly be a benefit for our future and we’ve collected a lot of data. I’m really grateful to the team members who prepared for the rally in such a short time. In addition, as all three of the all-new Tritons completed this tough rally, I felt once again how good the durability and handling of the car is. It is a level of perfection that we can confidently recommend to everyone as a car launched globally. We would like to thank all the sponsors of our team and the many people who have supported and cheered us on. We hope to use this experience in the future and make further progress,” commented Hiroshi Masuoka team director of Mitsubishi Ralliart.

Team Toyota Gazoo Racing Indonesia, piloting the Fortuner, finished 1-2 at this year’s Asia Cross Country Rally. Completing the Top Five are: Mitsubishi Team Ralliart in third, a privateer Mitsubishi team (Pointer Team) in fourth, and Nexzter Rest Club driving a Toyota Hilux in fifth. The highest placed Isuzu ended up in seventh, Suzuki in in 21st, and Ford with the Ranger Raptor in 25th.

7 comments:

  1. Congratulations Mitsubishi Ralliart Team

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  2. But Team Toyota Gazoo Racing won the top 2 places this year. Congratulations Team Toyota.

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  3. Mitsubishi Ralliart Team plans to return in Dakar in a few years time
    Toyota ain't coming back to F1 as they'll likely fail again..Their WEC dominance will end next year once Ferrari,BMW,Porsche and Lamborghini sort out their problems.

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  4. Interesting how the top 2 positions are held by a PPV Fortuner not the hilux one. But again this coverage is about the third placer not the top finisher. Congratulations TGRI and mitsubishi ralliart

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  5. Mitsubishi RalliArt team is just warming up initially. Soon they will. Conquer the whole field.

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  6. kulelat si ford raptor

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  7. Even with twin turbo, Raptor has underpowered miniscule 2.0L

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