Plymouth international rally driver Martin Newcombe is set to contest the 2004 Mitsubishi Rally Car Evolution Challenge.

Newcombe, along with his father and co-driver Peter, spent most of last year preparing and testing his new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 6. Group N rally car.

Sponsorship has been received from Mitsubishi dealer Rodgers of Plymouth for the build, and during the local testing events.

Newcombe, an electrical contracts manager from Plymstock, is now looking for further sponsorship for his championship bid this year.

The Plymouth and South Hams Motor Club driver has also renewed sponsorship with Quality Electrical Distributors (QED).

Co-driver Peter said: 'Rallying is very costly and we very much appreciate all the help we get from our sponsors. Without their support it would be impossible to compete at this level.'

Martin said: 'We have rallied all over Britain and parts of Europe and enjoyed every minute, but now it is time to move on and swim with bigger fish.

'The new car is four-wheel drive and nearly 300 bhp, and we hope to be competitive in this year's championship.' The 2004 Series will include eight rallies, using both tarmac roads and forest tracks, with the opener being the Rally Sunseeker centred in Bournemouth on February 27. Subsequent rounds will be selected national and international rallies throughout Britain and Ireland, including the Isle of Man.

Newcombe will be competing in the Newton Abbot Audi Stages Rally next Sunday, January 17, as a shakedown to the Evo Challenge.

Based at Newton Abbot racecourse and organised by South Hams Motor Club, this stage rally will have an entry of 100 modern and historic cars.

They will be racing through 40 miles of tracks in the forests of Haldon and Dartmoor.