Mitsubishi Motors is the winningest automaker in Dakar Rally history. A Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution (Montero Evolution) piloted by Team ENEOS Mitsubishi Ralliart driver Hiroshi Masuoka and codriver Andreas Schultz was first across the finish line in the 2003 Telefonica Dakar Rally. That was the third straight victory by a Mitsubishi Motors vehicle in the Dakar rally and the eighth win for the automaker in the event. No other manufacturer has amassed as many victories in the quarter-century history of the legendary race. Sharing in the glory was Nippon Oil, which sponsors Team ENEOS Mitsubishi Ralliart.
   This year's Dakar Rally began in Marseille and stretched across Spain, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt en route to a spectacular finale at Sinai Point. Masuoka and Schultz completed the 17 stages of the 8,552-kilometer (5,302-mile), 19-day event in 49 hours, 8 minutes and 52 seconds. That was 1 hour and 52 minutes ahead of their nearest rivals, Team ENEOS Mitsubishi Ralliart teammates Jean-Pierre Fontenay and Gilles Picard in a classic Pajero (Montero). Rounding out the top three places was a Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution (Montero Evolution) driven by Team ATS Mitsubishi Ralliart competitors Stephane Peterhansel and Jean-Paul Cottret.
   Mitsubishi drivers thus occupied all three places on the victory podium. In addition, Carlos Sousa and Henri Magne placed fourth in a Mitsubishi L200 Strada. And Jose Luis Monterde and Rafael Tornabell completed the punishing race in 10th place in a classic Pajero (Montero).