2003 Dakar winner Hiroshi Masuoka and Stéphan Peterhansel will challenge the 2003 FIA Cross Country Rally World Cup beginning with the Italian Baja 2002, the first round of the series. The drivers will be backed by 5 Mitsubishi dealer mechanics.

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Mitsubishi Motor Sales Corporation and Ralliart Inc., will participate in the 2003 FIA Cross Country Rally World Cup with the strong support of domestic Mitsubishi Motors Sales offices. The first round of the series, The 2003 Italian Baja will be held from March 14th (Friday) to March 16th (Sunday). Two-time Dakar winner Hiroshi Masuoka along with French teammate Stéphan Peterhansel of Team Mitsubishi Ralliart will contest the event. In addition, five Mitsubishi Motors dealer mechanics will be dispatched to the event to support the two vehicles. The Italian Baja will be held in northern Italy approximately 80km northeast of the famous city of Venice. The event will be based around the town of Vivaro. The 3-day event will consist of 741.80km (separated into 5 competitive sections totaling 615.00km). With the Italian Alps in the background, the course will vary considerably including wide riverbeds and treacherous mountain trails.

This will mark the first time that Hiroshi Masuoka teammate Stéphan Peterhansel will contest the Italian off-road event. Following last year's participation, the Mitsubishi Dealer Mechanics wil make their second appearance at the event. The 5 members of the Mitsubishi Dealer Mechanics were selected from Mitsubishi Sales offices throughout Japan. The young mechanics specialize in the repair and maintenance of the Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero and were chosen after a rigorous selection process which took place at the "Mobility Park" in Shizuoka between November 14th and 16 of 2002. The concept of dispatching dealer mechanics to such events was first conceived in 1993 and has since been carried out every year. The aim of the project is not only to improve technical skills but also to build moral and strengthen the importance of teamwork. Mitsubishi has dispatched a total of 45 mechanics to various events such as the Hong-Kong to Beijing Rally and the UAE Desert Challenge during its 9 years the programme has been in existance. The 5 mechanics who were selected have already been given a chance to test their skills and prepare for the overseas event on February 5th and 6th during the [Ralliart Pit HOKUSO] event held as part of the [First Garage HOKUSO] overall event held in Mitsukaido City in Ibaraki Prefecture. The group will depart Tokyo International Airport at Narita for France on March 8th. They will arrive in Lyon in central France where they will prepare for the event at the Mitsubishi Ralliart Team's Cross Country Rally Maintenance Garage. There they will assist in the preparation of the race vehicles. They are sceduled to arrive at the event site by March 12th (Wednesday). They are scheduled to return to Japan on March 19th (Wednesday).