For the second round of the 2008 Intercontinental Rally Challenge to be held this week at Rally Portugal, the Ralliart Italy team will front a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX for Armindo Araujo with Miguel Ramalo as his co-driver.

As a competitor in the Production Car World Rally Championship, the Portuguese driver will have a double objective at this event: a real-world test session as well as an opportunity to race upon the stages where he won five national titles with his trusty Mitsubishi.

"We tried different setups ahead of Rally Portugal, mostly at the suspension level. The last tests conducted were very positive and I am satisfied with the results," Araujo said.

"Portugal is a very nice event which I have won three times in the past," he added. "This week-end, the Super 2000s will be the uncontested favourites but I think I can fight against them!"