Frenchman Serge Henninot will co-drive for China's Luo Ding in the gruelling 2004 Telefonica Dakar Rally, which starts on New Year's Day in France. The pair will run as one of the Mitsubishi Ralliart customer teams.

Team Mitsubishi Ralliart China is supported by the Federation Of Automobile Sports Of The People's Republic of China (FASC) and this organisation will also be represented on the event.

In 2003, 34-year-old driver Luo Ding took part in the Telefonica Dakar Rally as a private entrant. In 2004, he will participate in a diesel-engined Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero 4WD, built to T2 specification.
His ultimate goal is to finish the Dakar for the first time.

Henninot, meanwhile, has considerable experience on the Dakar Rally and has taken part on no less than 11 occasions.

In preparation for the 2004 event, 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. The world's toughest rally starts on January 1st, 2004 and runs until January 18th.

After numerous training sessions outside China, driver Dou Ling said: "I've participated in numerous training programs, arranged by Mitsubishi Motors, outside China as part of Team Mitsubishi Ralliart China. The time has finally come to take part in the event and I feel the weight of the responsibility.

"However, I am also filled with confidence and hope. As a participant, I am in great condition and prepared to give it my best. We're making final adjustments. After several training sessions, I am confident that my technique level has greatly improved. I was able to make considerable progress under Mr. Fontenay's instruction. My confidence has been further enhanced with the participation of Serge Henninot as my co-driver. He has substantial rally experience. I am prepared to fulfill everybody's expectations by successfully reaching my goal and achieving the best result possible."

On December 3rd, 2003, Team Mitsubishi Ralliart China held a press conference. Jackie Chan, Honorary Team Director of Team Mitsubishi Ralliart China, and Mitsubishi test driver Jean-Pierre Fontenay participated in the media gathering.