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Japan driver Hiroshi Masuoka poses in his Mitsubishi during technical checks for the Dakar rally race in Arras, northern France,Thursday Dec. 27, 2001. The race starts on Dec. 28, 2001, in Arras and is expected to arrive in Dakar, Senegal, next Jan. 13. Competitors will cross 5 countries in 14 stages.(AP Photo/Michel Spingler)