Mitsubishi Motors UK will be fielding a brand new Shogun Warrior 3.2 D-ID three-door model in this year's Goodyear British Off Road Championship.

The first round takes place this weekend in Radnor Forest, Mid-Wales.

The championship attempt is being funded by Mitsubishi Motors UK. The car is being driven by Colin Read, who is aiming to be the first driver to win the Championship in a car that can be driven straight out of the showroom.

After scoring a ninth outright victory in the Dakar Rally in January, general manager of Ralliart at Mitsubishi Motors UK, Paul Brigden, is confident the success can continue in Britain.

"We have a great vehicle in the Shogun and an excellent driver in Colin,” he says. “We know its not going to be easy to win the Championship, therefore, if we do win the title, it is going to represent an impressive all-round performance."

The 2004 British Off Road Championship takes place on five separate weekends in various parts of the country this month, June, July, September and October.