Colin McRae has given Nissan its first success with the 2005 version of the Pickup. The race was largely dominated by the Scottish driver, who finished nearly six minutes ahead of his main rival, Carlos Sousa. A fine reward for the months of hard work, and an encouraging sign, eight weeks before the start of the Dakar.

There were no problems for the McRae-Thörner duo this morning, during the final special stage around Portalegre. The Nissan Pickup claimed its first success in its 2005 version, which was also the second win for the Nissan Rally Raid Team, following that claimed during the 2003 edition of the Rally of Morocco.

This was also Colin McRae’s first win in cross-country rallies : “I am very pleased with this win. It has come at exactly the right time for the team, which has put in a lot of work in just eight months. It is very encouraging for the future, and undoubtedly important for the team spirit, which is already excellent. We still need to work on the car, but we are heading in the right direction. I am quite confident. We will have some further test sessions in France over the next weeks; I will mainly be working on the endurance aspects. On a personal note, I am also very pleased to have claimed my first win in Cross Country rallies. This Baja, although it was relatively short, was far from easy. I would also like to thank Tina, who has, as usual, put in some excellent work. The big test, however, will be in January…”

As for Tina Thörner, a win is a win, and she smilingly reminded us that this was her second victory for Nissan : “I won in Morocco with Giniel (De Villiers) and, today, I’ve taken my first win with Colin. I am delighted, of course, but even more so for the whole team. This is very important for our morale. We are now more motivated than ever for ‘the’ race we are all waiting for : the Dakar.”

Much more relaxed than yesterday, Gilles Martineau was savouring this first win : “It is both a relief and a great joy. All the hard work, the whole team has received its just reward. We knew how competitive the Pickup was, from our test sessions, but it was important to see how it would react in race conditions. This full-scale test was overwhelmingly positive. I would also like to thank our brilliant line-up in the vehicle. The next stage is Barcelona, for the start of the Dakar.”

Under a heavy shower, the Nissan Rally Raid Team climbed onto the highest step of the podium, ahead of Carlos Sousa and another Nissan Pickup, privately entered and driven by Rui Sousa, to toast the success, as is fitting, with champagne…

Anumber of tests will take place over the coming weeks; a press conference will being held in Paris on November 16th,in order to present the Nissan Rally Raid Team line-up for the 2005 Dakar.