Ari, what will you remember from this Dakar 2005?
In comparison with all the dramas that happened during this Dakar, the sport performances will unfortunately take a back seat. When people die while doing their job and living their passion, it is always very sad. Each competitor comes here with many hopes and dreams.
Concerning my performance, for a vehicle built in less than nine months, the Pickup proved that it has enormous potential. We were a little short on time to make tests. We’ll see you next year…

The N-05 Pickup made a name for itself in Morocco and in Mali, in rather different terrains. It’s encouraging for the future…
Oh, definitely. It’s also necessary to have resources similar to those of the competition to be able to advance. I believe that the Pickup can still make small improvements in all areas. But the potential is there, our number of wins in specials attests to that. The team is going to have time to prepare for the next Dakar. This should bear fruit.

Tiziano SIVIERO (Ari Vatanen’s co-driver)
“As usual, this Dakar has been an unforgettable experience. Above all for me: I had to learn to work with a new driver, and I learned a great many things. I believe that people will have to reckon with the Nissan Rally Raid Team in the years to come. It’s a very well-bonded team, very motivated, which is very close to the top level and which has everything it takes to get there. It’s necessary to work a little more, but frankly we aren’t far from the others.”