Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and Ralliart Inc. will support the China Team in the 2004 Dakar Rally, which is being held between January 1st and January 18th. The team is officially recognised by the FASC (Federation Automobile Sports of The People's Republic of China).

Film star Jackie Chan will act as the Honorary Team Director of Team Mitsubishi Ralliart China, which was inaugurated in November 2003 and replaced the former Ralliart Hong Kong.

Lee Chuhen of the FASC will act as Team Director and Ryu Dadei will work as the Technical Supervisor of the China Team.

In 2003, Team Mitsubishi Ralliart China entered the Dakar Rally as a private entry with 34-year-old driver Luo Ding. After a solid start he was forced to retire at the half-way point, but will take the start again at the wheel of a diesel-engined Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero.

In September 2003, Mitsubishi Motors and Ralliart Inc. carried out training programmes for the works team using an experienced trainer. Luo Ding benefitted from this new experience and is looking forward to putting his new-found skills into practice on the 2004 Dakar Rally by finishing the world's most difficult off-road rally.

Mitsubishi Motors and Ralliart details:

1.	Providing the actual rally car and a test car for use in China.
2.	Technical support during the Dakar Rally.
3.	Training for the improvement of driver skills Tests were carried out in France in September 2003 and in Dubai (UAE) in October. In addition, former Dakar Rally winner and Mitsubishi test driver Jean-Pierre Fontenay coached the China Team drivers and carried out a test session in the Zhuhai area of China at the start of December (December 3rd-5th). The experienced Frenchman will also coordinate the drivers and the team's preparations for the 2004 Dakar.
4.	Coordination and preparation for co-driver (navigator).

Mitsubishi Motors and Ralliart Inc. provide additional support for the FASC China Team as they prepare for the 2004 Dakar Rally. This will also contribute to the further enhancement of China's motor sport activities.

China Team

Honorary Team Director	Jackie Chan
Team Director	Lee Chuhen
Technical Supervisor	Ryu Dadei
Driver	Luo Ding
Competition vehicle	Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Diesel (Super Production category)

Leading Driver's Information

Name: Luo Ding Date of Birth: October 24, 1969 (34 years old) Nationality: Han Occupation: Architect Main Achievements: 2002 Trained as a "Chinese Professional Racing Driver", obtained International C-grade driving license 2002 Trained together with Liu Dadi of Hummer Auto Club in China January 2003 Participated in Paris-Dakar Rally Competition with Liu Dadi (the first Chinese drivers in this event). September 2003 Received special training organized by Mitsubishi in Paris, France October 2003 Visited "Auto Challenge" in Dubai, UAE, and participated in training there

Message from Luo Ding, Leading Driver:

"I feel very honored to be a racing driver for the China Team Mitsubishi Ralliart participating in the 2004 Paris-Dakar Rally. With the experience of last year's race, and support from the Federation Of Automobile Sports Of The People's Republic of China (FASC), as well as the benefits of several overseas training programs organized by Mitsubishi, and the strong support that Mitsubishi has provided, I am very confident of my ability to do well in the race. I will undergo more rigorous training, and aim to complete the entire race and achieve a good result."

Racing Vehicle Information

Mitsubishi Pajero / Montero Diesel Test in the Zhuhai area of China

Mitsubishi Pajero Diesel (T2 Rally Standard Vehicle) An excellent SUV type rally vehicle with extensive racing experience and a brilliant record in Paris-Dakar Rally, an event which Mitsubishi Motors has continuously challenged for over the past 25 years. Mitsubishi Pajero Diesel is sold worldwide and enjoys a very high reputation among users.