Mitsubishi: We are in talks with several drivers.

Mitsubishi boss, Isao Torii has confirmed that they are in negotiations with a 'number of private customers' who want to run Lancer WRC05's this season in the FIA World Rally Championship.

Speaking at the recent WRC candidate event in Norway, Torii added that while it was unfortunate Daniel Carlsson retired while running second overall, they would be happy to continue working with him, especially in light of his fantastic third place on the Swedish Rally.

"We are delighted that Daniel Carlsson chose Mitsubishi to provide him with a customer WRC05 Car for Rally Norway," noted Torii. "It's such a great shame that he retired on stage 12. Carlsson was so competitive in second place.

"He really settled into the rhythm of the Lancer WRC05 incredibly quickly. He only had one brief test before Sweden where he achieved his third place podium. Rally Norway was only his second competitive Mitsubishi outing. We would be happy to continue the relationship with Daniel, he is a talented driver.

"We are also currently in negotiation with a number of private customers to prepare and run additional Mitsubishi Lancer WRC05's during this season's World Rally Championship."

Carlsson meanwhile, who will also contest the Rally Ireland in a Mitsubishi Lancer WRC next month - another country looking to join the WRC in 2007 - has yet to announce if he will do any further WRC events. Indeed following his result in Sweden, he told reporters that nothing was certain and it will all depend on if he could attract more backing to finance further outings.