Four-times winner of the mythical Dakar event, Ari Vatanen will be behind the wheel of a Nissan Pickup for the second year in a row. Extremely motivated, as always, Ari cannot wait to get back to Africa, a continent of which he is incredibly fond. Having claimed four of the manufacturer’s five stage wins in this year’s Dakar, he would like to reach the record number of 50 stage wins during the 2004 event (he currently has 49 wins to his credit…). His compatriot Juha Repo will be in charge of the navigation. Juha recently took part in the UAE Desert Challenge in Dubaï, alongside Ari. It was his first time in the sand and the dunes, and quite visibly, he enjoyed the experience…

	World Rally Champion in 1995, finishing second in the World Championship on three occasions, Colin McRae is without doubt a legendary character in the world of rallying. After an exceptional career, he has reached a turning point, and is venturing into rally-raids. With both the category and by the Nissan Pickup appealing to him, he could create a few surprises and spoil the fun for some of the “regulars”. Supported by Swedish driver Tina Thörner, he will be able to count on her experience and talent to avoid the navigational pitfalls, in what looks like being a particularly difficult edition of the Dakar.

	Progressing continuously, the South African driver would dearly like to claim his first Dakar stage win. Finishing fifth in the previous edition, he proved that Nissan could count on his consistency and talent. Having won the Rally of Morocco earlier this year, he has already savoured the sweet taste of victory, and would like to repeat the experience … His team-mate and compatriot Francois Jordaan might be taking part in the Dakar for the first time, but he knows his driver extremely well. Francois has been navigating for Giniel in South Africa for three years.

	After only six Rally-Raid events, Yves Loubet is incredibly enthusiastic at the thought of competing in an official car. Having recently won the Rally of the Pharaohs with a Nissan Pickup, and despite his relative inexperience in his area of the sport, Yves is far from being an unknown quantity. Five French Rally Championship titles, three vice-champion titles and a former European Champion, the driver from Corsica is extremely motivated, and ready to face any challenges. He will be driving alongside 2002 Dakar winner Pascal Maimon for the first time. Extremely experienced and professional, Pascal is, like his driver, extremely motivated. A dynamic duo, well worth watching.

For the 2004 edition, no fewer than 65 people will make up the Nissan Rally Raid Team. This impressive figure includes engineers, mechanics, logistics personnel, drivers of the assistance trucks, crews, press and public relations and Management. To manage and run this team, Gilles Martineau has recently joined the Nissan Rally Raid Team. With solid experience in motorsport, he will take on the role of Team Manager. After twelve years with Ford, where he was the Director of Motorsport Activities, Gilles Martineau is knowledgeable in both circuit competition and Rallying. He has no fewer than ten seasons of Formula Ford to his credit, having taken control of all aspects of the category, both organisational and sporting. Manager and coordinator of the Rally Raid activities, he has extensive knowledge of both the World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies and the Dakar.