Team Mitsubishi Ralliart began its challenge for honours in the UAE Desert Challenge, the final round of the FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies on Tuesday evening, when four official cars tackled a short two-kilometre Prologue stage, adjacent to the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Dubai.

Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution/ Montero Evolution Team Mitsubishi Ralliart S. Peterhansel / J. P. Cottret (Photo: Prologue)

An estimated crowd of over 8,000 people gathered to watch the international entry from 29 nations, which started the dusty and twisty stage in reverse order. This meant that the two Pajero Evolution/Montero Evolution, driven by Frenchman Stéphane Peterhansel and Japan's Hiroshi Masuoka and making their world debut, were the last cars through the stage.

On a warm, slightly breezy and dry evening, where the temperature was still 26 degrees Centigrade, Miki Biasion set the equal fastest time in a 2002-specification Pajero, although the Prologue is not being used this year to determine starting orders and will have no bearing on the overall positions.

Stéphane Peterhansel was third overall in the new Pajero/Montero, behind the Belgian Gregoire de Mevius in a BMW X5 Rallye-Raid. Reigning Dakar champion Hiroshi Masuoka was fourth in the second Evolution car.

Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution/ Montero Evolution Team Mitsubishi Ralliart H. Masuoka / A. Schulz (Photo: Prologue)

Portugal's Carlos Sousa kicked off his new partnership with French co-driver Henri Magne by taking equal sixth fastest time in his Mitsubishi L200 Strakar. Former Dakar winner Jean-Pierre Fontenay was also equal sixth overall in one of two 2002-specification Pajero/Monteros. Local favourite Yayha Al-Helai - second overall last year in a Chevrolet- lost time with electrical problems.

The competitive action at Tuesday night's Prologue was coupled with a live musical performance by the Lebanese pop band, the 4 Cats ('the Spice Girls of the Middle East'), and a stunt display by the British motorcycle rider Robert Crawford.

"It has been a very busy time for us over the last few weeks, preparing and testing the new car," said team manager Dominique Serieys. "There is still a lot of work to do with the suspension and the transmission and this next four days will be a good test for the car.

Mitsubishi Pajero / Montero Team Mitsubishi Ralliart M. Biasion / T. Siviero (Photo: Prologue)

"The Desert Challenge has some very soft sections in sand dunes and these areas could be tricky. One of the local drivers commented at the press conference yesterday that it has not rained in the southern region for many months and the sand is very soft."

Italian Biasion is looking forward to competing for Mitsubishi. "I came to Dubai a couple of times in a truck and enjoyed myself in the desert. But my dream was to join a competitive team with a top car and now I am with Mitsubishi. This is a fantastic opportunity for me with a great team."

"Tomorrow (Wednesday) is the real start of the rally for us," said Masuoka. "Tonight meant nothing. It was a small stage to entertain the crowd."

"I feel comfortable in the new car," added Peterhansel. "I'm looking forward to taking on the desert here tomorrow."

The official start takes place at the Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday morning at 09.30 (local time). The opening 313 kms Manassir Plateau stage follows shortly afterwards and takes crews from the Hameem mast starting point on the Liwa gatch road to a finish to the east of the Liwa bivouac and oasis.

The event will be centred at Liwa for three days and finishes in Dubai on Saturday afternoon. Over the four days and out of a total distance of 2097kms, 1490 kms will be competitive.