Mitsubishi Motors Corporation announced its motor sport program for the 2005 season at the company's headquarters on Tuesday, December 7, where more than 200 media representatives were in attendance. In addition, the key sponsors supporting the Mitsubishi Repsol ATS Studio Team in 2005 Telefoica Dakar Rally were present, alongside team driver Hiroshi Masuoka and World Rally Championship (WRC) contender Gilles Panizzi.

Akira Kijima, Managing Director of Mitsubishi Motors

Managing Director of Mitsubishi Motors Mr. Akira Kijima explained the company's 2005 motor sport activities. "For Mitsubishi Motors, motor sport is not only a promotional tool but it is an important Mitsubishi brand. Our aim is to continue to pursue the limits of performance. Through the know-how gained from motor sport, we feed back this data or what we call "Sporty DNA" and "SUV DNA" to all our production cars.

"By doing this we hope to create cars that are not only highly durable and safe but also have considerable road ability and handling. We have faith in our philosophy that Mitsubishi cars not only continue to be "rugged and durable" but also combine both "simplicity and sturdiness".

"The know-how we have cultivated through motor sport will, in the long run, enhance the overall system of motor sport activities. Ultimately, this will raise the stature of Mitsubishi vehicles. We not only plan to support the works activities but also the motor sport activities of our Mitsubishi customers."
(Details : Mitsubishi Motors 2005 Motor Sport Campaign)

Torii Isao, President of MMSP GmbH

Osamu Nakayama, Mitsubishi Motors Team leader of the Motor Sport Team

Masao Taguchi, President of Ralliart Inc.

Adding to his comments, Isao Torii, President of MMSP GmbH said "We hope to put ourselves in a competitive position for the 16 rounds of the 2005 FIA World Rally Championship, which begins with the traditional Monte-Carlo Rally in January, and the upcoming 2005 Dakar Rally. Gilles Panizzi of France and Harri Rovanpera of Finland will take up the WRC challenge, as well as a new young driver from Italy, Gianluigi Galli.
(Details : Mitsubishi Motors Confirms Its 2005 Fia World Rally Championshp Program)

Japan's Hiroshi Masuoka will again lead the 2005 Dakar challenge with team-mate Stephane Peterhansel of France. Other familiar faces will include Frenchman Luc Alphand and Spain's Joan 'Nani' Roma. The four powerful Mitsubishi Pajero / Montero Evolutions will take the start in Barcelona Spain, on January 1. In addition, Germany's Andrea Mayer will get behind the wheel of the L200 Pickup-Truck. Mitsubishi will take up this year's challenge with five formidable machines and aim for its fifth successive victory and 10th overall triumph on this classic event."
(Details : Mitsubishi Motors 2005 Dakar rally)

Mr. Osamu Nakayama, team leader of the Motor Sport Team development headquarters, which acts as the main liaison in Japan for all Mitsubishi's motor sport activities said; "We hope to enhance the co-operation between the works team and the Motor Sport Teams. We will put all our effort into the works vehicles as well as support Mitsubishi customers through Ralliart. Our aim is to feed back important development data to the production car."

Masao Taguchi, President of Ralliart Inc., stated that the role of Ralliart with regard to motor sport activities is:

1. All-out support of works activities.

(1)	Overall support of local teams and provide advice as well as dispatching of specialists when necessary.
(2)	Negotiations with FIA related groups. Provide information and analysis.
(3)	Gain domestic sponsors.

2. Support domestic motor sport customer activities.

(1)	Information and data gained by supporting various activities can be fed back to develop the next generation Lancer Evolution.
(2)	Support overseas motor sport activities.
(3)	Support development of specialty motor sport parts.
(4)	Support and develop talented young Japanese drivers.

3. Support and development of parts in co-operation with works activities.

(1)	Use the know-how gained through both the WRC and Cross-country Rally programs to provide development and ultimately sales for motor sport fans and customers.
(2)	Development and sale of products resulting from know-how gained through team participation, which has been tested over the years through diverse environmental conditions.
(3)	Holding motor sport events and driving seminars.
(4)	Sending out information to motor sport fans.

(Details : Regarding future activities of Ralliart Inc. )

In conclusion, Hiroshi Masuoka had this to say before his departure for the 2005 Dakar Rally. "I want to make the fifth consecutive win and 10th overall victory, not only for Mitsubishi but also for myself."

WRC driver Panizzi promised his fans; "This year, not competing in the WRC Rally Japan was very disappointing but for next year I want to show the fans in Japan a very good run."

Through this year's announcement, it was confirmed that the 2005 Mitsubishi Motor Sports activities will consist of a strong collaboration between Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, MMSP GmbH and Ralliart Inc., in its aim of supporting not only the works team but also activities of privateer teams.