Dakar 2009 : Dakar

02-01-2009 - All on parade

With 217 bikers, 25 quad riders, 177 car crews and 81 others in trucks, 837 pioneers in total on board 500 vehicles will take starter’s orders tomorrow and get to grips with the route of the 31st Dakar, the first on the South American continent. For the moment, they have been enjoying their last day in the Argentine capital, where the city’s inhabitants have been wishing them a good journey.

The day has been filled with the last recommendations, the last hours of rest and especially the last encouragements before taking on this imposing challenge. The riders and drivers of the 500 vehicles enrolled for the Dakar started their day with a grand meeting, the traditional pre-race “briefing”, during which rally director Etienne Lavigne underlined certain points, with the emphasis on safety and the confidence he has in the competitors to honor and respect the two new host countries, Argentina and Chile.

Before getting to grips with the race itself, the vehicles will be warming up their engines around an initial loop that is to prove much easier than the rally that awaits them, with only a handful of miles to be covered. During this parade, the competitors will visit a part of the Buenos Aires city center, setting of from the La Rural exhibition park. Several obligatory ports of call have been selected for the parade: the Argentine Automobile Club, a national institution with 5000 races organized per year; Avenida 9 de Julio (9th July Avenue), which is claimed to be the widest in the world; and the famous Obelisk that dominates the Plaza de Republica (Republic Square). In addition to a sunny saunter through the Argentine capital, the competitors can look forward to mingling with the huge crowds. After the 80,000 visitors who attended La Rural during scrutineering, the word is that there may well be almost 500,000 spectators crammed along the route of the parade, a welcome encouragement and source of inspiration for the 14 stages to come: after today the competitors will have to affront 5,700 miles of roads and tracks.

02-01-2009 - ITW "Top 10" : Cyril Despres (Fra - 1 - KTM)

“To win the Dakar you need to use your brain”

Cyril Despres, winner of the Dakar in 2005 and 2007, takes up this year’s challenge in a calm state of mind. The KTM rider, who arrives well-prepared technically and physically, gives great importance to the psychological dimension of the race.

The Dakar is a completely different race this year. What do you expect from this new continent?

I expect to suffer. This race is never easy, especially when you want to win it. All the ingredients are there to make this challenge particularly hard: the heat, the length of the stages and the altitude. To win the race, you need to control many parameters. You are the title holder and you will ride a KTM.

The structure of the team has been modified. Is it a problem for you?

It is true that KTM has reduced the means of the team on the Dakar. But the current design is enough. Alain Duclos will be my support rider and we both have our own mechanic. So the team is small, but we remain efficient. Anyway, to win the Dakar what you need is to use your brain.

You are regularly presented as the favourite of the race. It looks like you accept this status without seeming too nervous about it. Is this the key to your success?

Pressure is necessary to stay focused and ride for victory. But you need to be able to deal with it. I’ve actually gained a lot of experience in the past years. I’ve learned a lot and above all I know you cannot manage everything on a race like the Dakar. Everybody can fall or have mechanical problems: there are always surprises on the Dakar and one must be good at dealing with these situations. I actually have enough experience now to find my own way. I learned my biggest lesson in 2007. I remember that I finished 17th on the 4th stage because of a problem with the gear box. I could have stopped then, given up and gone home. After all, I don’t train so long and so hard to reach that kind of result. But I thought to myself that others could also face the same type of situations. And we all know what happened at the end.

02-01-2009 - ITW "Top 10": Hans Stacey (Nld - 500 - MAN)

“We’re ready”

The title holder has met with success at every turn in 2008, with notably a victory on the Central Europe Rally. His team is more structured than ever and he is defending his title full of confidence, the only worry being an injured left wrist.

Hans Stacey, how long have you been here in South America?
We arrived on 29th December after a long and quite tiring journey. For our program, we are simply going to wait calmly for the start: a little bit of rest and getting together with all the team, that’s what is important before such a hard race.

How does the truck feel?
We picked it up at the port and I drove it to Buenos Aires. Our mechanics had to do some work on it, because the truck finished the crossing with a flat battery. It’s a problem, obviously, because it is not a standard battery. It is part of the special parts that this truck boasts and is important for the vehicle’s electronics. But everything is okay now.

Is your injured left wrist a thing of the past now?
Not entirely. I injured my wrist a little more than a month ago and it’s almost better, but I can still feel a bit of discomfort. Everything will be okay for the race, but I’ll still be wearing a bandage, racing gloves and also a strap. The problem is that I’ll need to use my left hand a lot.

Apart from that, how are you feeling?
I’ve never felt better physically. We have worked a lot on that and spent time training in the mountains. We know that the heat will be a significant factor, but everyone will be in the same boat as far as that is concerned. We’re ready.

02-01-2009 - ITW "Top 10" : Stéphane Peterhansel (Fra - 300 - MITSU)

“Into the unknown”

For his 20th Dakar, Stephane Peterhansel is once again a candidate to his own crown. Having won the Dakar 6 times on a bike and 3 times in a car (in 2004, 2005 and 2007), the lead driver of Team Mitsubishi will be starting the 2009 edition behind the wheel of the brand new Lancer Diesel….

How are you feeling as the start of this Dakar draws near?
I’m feeling really good and ready. We arrived on 28th December to acclimatize and avoid feeling too much pressure. I’m cool, rested and not at all stressed. We’re taking it nice and easy.

You will be starting behind the wheel of a Mitsubishi Lancer Diesel, yet another new feature for this 31st edition of the race?
We have been developing this model for a year and a half. We have spent plenty of time driving, a total of just over 10,000 miles of tests. The car was constantly evolving up until October, when we finished fine-tuning and turned to concentrating on the Dakar. The car is performing very well and is reliable, but we are heading a bit into the unknown. We haven’t tested it against our main rivals. So, there is some apprehension for this Dakar.

Obviously another new aspect will be the terrain…
This Dakar in Argentina represents a new goal for me. I’ve already been here, in 2005 for the Por Las Pampas and I’ve got really good memories of it, even if it was not easy. The average speeds vary a lot. In Africa, we knew what to expect. By studying the map, we were already able to pinpoint the difficult or decisive stages. We don’t have enough experience here. There will be surprises every day. We’re relying on comments, various information sources and in any case, we know how to adapt. But it’s difficult to know whether the car is right for this Dakar. It was designed for a Dakar in Africa. At any rate, we will be better at high altitude than in the old car, thanks to the turbo engine, instead of the atmospheric one.

Your rivals are better prepared and more ambitious than in previous years…
The Volkswagen team has made progress. What’s sure is that they have more experience with diesel. But we have more experience on the Dakar.

02-01-2009 - DAKAR -1: Videos

Hello broom wagon, hello sadness!
Let down by their machines or immobilised after a fall, competitors who do not require first aid often start learning how to deal with defeat with a long wait, remaining patient until the broom wagon picks them up. Its arrival means it is the end of the road for those who drop out of the race.
Watch the video

The aces of tricks and fixes
Competitors need superb endurance of course, and good driving skills naturally, but sometimes they also need to show a lot of imagination to continue on their way to the finishing line. As far as quick fixes are concerned, the mechanics on the Dakar have been faced with the unthinkable.
Watch the video

01-01-2009 - Finally ready

The last day of technical and administrative scrutineering, whose chief aim was to establish the list of competitors, attracted more than 60,000 spectators to the site of La Rural. The natives of Buenos Aires, like most Argentines and Chileans, displayed enthusiasm on par with that of the 837 competitors, who, whether favorites or merely there to make up numbers, cannot wait to get started. The 500 vehicules line-up will be made of 217 bikes, 25 quads, 177 cars, 81 trucks.

It is perfectly normal that the prospect of taking part in the Dakar in South America gets the competitors excited to a certain degree. One of them, however, was blinded by this euphoria, or even over-confidence. Registered to take part in his first Dakar, Chinese rider Li Zhiheng quite simply forgot to bring biking overalls to wear on his KTM. As if that absent-mindedness was not enough, he also arrived in Buenos Aires without the license issued by the international federation, which is essential for taking starter’s orders for the rally. Alongside his two countrymen, Chen Jianguo and Wei Guanghui, both similarly lacking in paperwork, Zhiheng is now in a race against the clock to present the required license before the first stage of the race starts.

Apart from the Chinese trio, who could be worthy overall winners in the forgetfulness standings, all the competitors had, on the contrary, prepared for this event in minute detail. The best illustration is the case of the Mitsubishi team, which will be starting with four Lancer diesels. The change in technology required almost two years of development, with just over 10,000 miles of tests. The tracks of Argentina will play host to the grand entrance of the Pajero’s successor, after a successful run-out on the Baja at Porto Alegre. Behind the wheel of these four prototypes, Peterhansel, Alphand, Roma and Masuoka are midway between the status of favorites or challengers. This time, their rivals at Volkswagen can point to greater experience with diesel engines. The German firm’s drivers, sadly unused to lady luck smiling on them, could finally see the tide turn in their favor, especially since during preparation, the engineers responsible for the Race Touaregs of Sainz, De Villiers, Miller and Depping have apparently left nothing to chance. From this parade of champions at the La Rural exhibition centre, it has been extremely difficult to pick out a clear favorite, nor even the leading car. Only American Robby Gordon, an exceedingly confident driver, is unhesitant in declaring outright victory as his sole objective. It remains to be seen if his Hummer is really capable of challenging the factory vehicles right throughout the rally.

On the bikes, the last two winners of the rally, Cyril Despres and Marc Coma, are sufficiently experienced in the discipline to exercise the necessary caution. As a result, their burning desire for triumph is systematically tempered by customary reserve and surprises that the race may hold in store. These types of incidents could be of benefit to David Frétigné, who is aiming to land himself a place on the podium for the first time, behind the handlebars of his 450cc Yamaha.

An initial idea of how the situation will pan out on the tracks should be apparent on Saturday, on the first stage leading to Santa Rosa. Between now and then, the riders and drivers will be testing their vehicles on a pedestal assembled next to the Obelisk in the majestic Plaza de la Republica, right in the middle of the Avenida 9 de Julio.

01-01-2009 - Carlo de Gavardo’s other career

The Chilean rider has taken part in 11 Dakars on a bike and has helped to make the event popular in his country, through his performances (3rd in 2001). Two years ago, he started taking racing lessons in Cordoba. “Too many of my friends had had serious accidents in competitions. I wanted to try something else”. After two rallies in Brazil and two rallies in Egypt, all disrupted by mechanical problems, Carlo de Gavardo has arrived on the Dakar behind the wheel of an SMG buggy, as if he were starting all over again: “In Chile, people are used to seeing me in the Top 10 on a bike. The most important element is for me to finish in the first 30 places to retain my credibility. It’s decisive for me so that I can set something going that will last for a few years yet”.

01-01-2009 - A meeting between Sainz & Esteve

It happened this Thursday at the start of the afternoon, during the administrative scrutineering. Carlos Sainz broke away from the imposing VW team group and headed towards Isidre Esteve, former elite rider who is now a driver, following a serious accident that cost him the use of his legs. “How’s it going, bandit?” calls out the double world rally champion (1990, 92). The Catalan former rider smiles and starts chatting. The conversation of course turns straight to the Dakar. “Have you done Patagonia-Atacama already?” asks Esteve. “Why? Is it going to be tough?” is the worried retort from the driver from Madrid. “You know what I’ve found out? Having a co-pilot who tells you all you need to do, it’s a world away from the bike!” replies Esteve. Carlos crouches down next to Esteve’s wheelchair and the flash-bulbs crackle. “Don’t forget to give me your number”, says Sainz.

01-01-2009 - ITW - "Top 10" - Marc Coma (ESP - 2 - KTM)

“No pain, no gain”

Marc Coma, winner in 2006, has waited for this new Dakar to regain his crown. This challenge is all the more motivating for the lead rider of the KTM Repsol team since the race is likely to be very tough: the Catalan rider thrives on difficulty.

Is this new-look Dakar more motivating?

There are plenty of new and even unknown aspects. It’s an extra motivation for me, but also for all the pilots, I think. It’s going to be a great race. We know that the specials will be big stages and long stages. But that’s how I like it, I’m happy that it will be a tough race to win. No pain, no gain.

Will it be an open race since everything is new?

There are two riders who have an all-consuming desire to win. But there are others with very good skills that are probably going to benefit from the layout of the race. This means there will be more riders fighting for a place on the podium.

How have you spent these last days before the Dakar?

We arrived on Sunday 28th December to allow ourselves to adapt to the time difference and climate. Since then, we have mainly been resting, with a few sessions in the gym.

01-01-2009 - A surprise invite for Vigouroux

“Unexpected”: the word does not really do justice to this 31st edition of the Dakar… Eric Vigouroux only found out on Christmas Eve that he would actually be taking part in the rally raid. After a very busy year, the most American of Frenchmen thought it might be, “better to forget about the Dakar this year to make a better comeback in 2010”. A phone call finally changed his mind and his plans. Vigouroux will be the second driver for Team Dakar US instead of Ronn Bailey who is currently recovering after an operation on his neck. So, the former quad rider will be taking on this South American Dakar behind the wheel of a massive Hummer. “The aim is to do a good job and keep as close as possible to Robby Gordon who is still the lead driver. I’ll be tackling the race with high hopes but also a lot of humility. The car is breathtaking on rough terrain, very strong, but I’ve only done 30 miles of tests”.

01-01-2009 - “Cali” is calm

He has not lost any of his bulk and already knows Argentina quite well. Christian Califano, the rookie in the Team 100% Sud Ouest, has been here several times to face the ‘Pumas’: “With the French rugby team we often stayed at the Hilton or Sheraton hotels. This time, it’s going to be different...”. Always a biker at heart, “Cali” is getting ready to live out his dream, in the same team as his friend Philippe Bernat-Salles. “I’m not pretending to be someone I’m not. I just want to get to the finishing line”. But his customary modesty and humor are not far away: “If you want my impressions, come to the first bivouac. Afterwards, it’s not such a sure thing”.

01-01-2009 - Carlos Veronesi: all that way for nothing

He really thought he could do it, but Carlos Veronesi will not take part in the first Dakar organized by his country. Taking advantage of a change in continent for the event of his dreams, along with accomplice Juan Carboneri, the Argentine driver had built up a solid application to participate in the rally. For the technical side of things, Carlos chose to hire a prototype from a Spanish preparer, who took the vehicle to Le Havre for loading onto the cargo ship that made the crossing to Buenos Aires. However, the expected good news did not emerge during these last few weeks and the lack of sponsors has forced Carlos to withdraw from this year’s challenge. Without the necessary resources, the team announced its withdrawal just before the start. As regards the car, it will be stored in a container on the docks, quietly waiting for the return of the other vehicles… with the milometer stuck on zero.

01-01-2009 - ITW - "Top 10" - Vladimir Chagin (RUS - 500 - KAMAZ)

“We need to keep our cool”

Five times winner in the truck category, Vladimir Chagin, “the Tsar”, is aiming to climb onto the highest step of the podium after his last Dakar, in 2007, which ended with his withdrawal after an accident. Motivated by this new race, the unrivalled leader of the Kamaz Master is once again favorite to win.

A new continent, a new race, but are your ambitions the same?

With not long now to go before the start of the race, I have a totally positive feeling. The newness really is a source of motivation. The climate is supposed to be difficult and very hot, but we are already used to that. We are just hoping that the engines will adapt as well as us and that once again we can aim for first place.

How have you prepared during the last few weeks and since you arrived in Buenos Aires?

We have had some free time because the trucks had to be ready for November, which allowed us to rest. I haven’t driven since the Desert Challenge in Dubai. Since we arrived here on 29th December, we have been checking a few details. On 31st December, we studied the description of the route. We are going to adapt our strategy to the length of the specials. We will have to drive slower.

Is competition in the truck race going to be fierce?

There are several pretenders to the crown. Everyone really wants this race, especially after a year without the Dakar. It’s time for the competition to start. For our part, we will have to concentrate on our race and keep our cool.

01-01-2009 - ITW - "Top 10" - Carlos Sainz (ESP - 301 - VOLKSWAGEN)

“We are challengers”

The double World Rally Champion is about to tackle his third Dakar with the experience of 9 stage victories in Africa and the pressure of a challenger who finally has an excellent chance of fulfilling the hopes of a team that has not yet won the rally.

Are jetlag and acclimatization your main concerns before the start of the race?

We arrived on 28th December on a direct flight from Madrid that lasted almost 13 hours. The only concern is getting used to the time difference. In physical terms, I went on a 10 km jog on 31st December. Until the start, it’s just a question of resting and building up energy reserves.

Have you been working on technical aspects during this period?

We have looked into certain aspects with the engineers to clarify some points and receive their final recommendations, but most of all, we have been studying the route – well, the overview of it at least, since we don’t know it in minute detail. We really have become aware that this edition will be very tough, especially after the day of rest, but it will also be tricky beforehand.

Does this put more pressure on you?

We are not favorites, we are challengers. And that means pressure, because we are a factory team with ambitions of victory. Volkswagen is an official team and I’m a professional driver, so it’s all par for the course. One thing we can be sure of is that we have a really good chance and for a rally of this type a lot of patience is required. We need to take it stage by stage, one after another.

Have you had time to taste Argentine meat?

I tested the car first, then I tucked into some steak.

01-01-2009 - Scrutineering: day 2

The list of participants for the 2009 Dakar will be officially closed at the end of the second day of technical and administrative scrutineering, during which the port city’s spectators will discover the vehicles of the favorites for outright victory. In the car category, the Mitsubishi drivers (Peterhansel, Alphand, Roma and Masuoka), who postponed their scrutineering by 24 hours, will be present at the enclosure during the morning, followed closely by their rivals at Volkswagen (Sainz, De Villiers, Miller and Depping), as well as Robby Gordon. In the bike category, Cyril Despres and Marc Coma will already be “wheel to wheel” in the middle of the afternoon, whilst the Russian truck drivers of the Kamaz team, led by Vladimir Chagin, will be amongst the earliest in the day to arrive.

31-12-2008 - And this is how they discovered America...

Three days prior to the start of the rally, the Argentine side of the scrutineering has started. The mission of the race stewards is to check the conformity of vehicles and see if it matches the rules for those who had not yet done so in Le Havre. The contenders – already thrilled by the first part of their stays – are now impatient to discover the rest of the continent.

The countdown is ticking slowly toward the start of the rally raid; the wheels have not yet turned for the start of the 2009 edition of the Dakar. But people are already talking about excitement and fascination. Out of the 100km or so between Delta Rock and the La Rural Exhibition Park where the second round of scrutineering is happening, the competitors already had several opportunities to enjoy the thrilling atmosphere that is now gaining the country. A lot of them had chosen to arrive a little earlier in the southern hemisphere: the most insatiable meat eaters of them all relished at eating “bife de chorizo”, these huge slices of beef served in all restaurants in Buenos Aires; the most careful of them decided to take some margin to adapt to the jetlag and the tourists strolled down the colorful streets of the Boca area or tasted a nice and fresh Quilmes on a terrace in San Telmo. No matter why, all were conquered by the preparation and expressed nothing but enthusiasm when the time of the last formalities came. “First, I tried the car, then I tried the meat”, nevertheless clarifies Carlos Sainz who is focused on his aim: the final victory.

The scrutineering of the participants – mainly organized for the technical scrutineering of the vehicles from the American continent – allowed the Porteños to catch a glimpse of some of the favorites in the race who had been summoned on this first day. In the bike category, France’s David Casteu, flanked by his new team mate, Chile’s Francisco Lopez, successfully passed this first test. It was also the case for the BMW X-Raid Team with its top drivers Nasser Al Attiyah and Guerlain Chicherit, and of truck title holder Hans Stacey, who is more concerned with his recently injured wrist than with the technical and admin scrutineering. Expected in the mid afternoon, the gems of the Mitsubishi team however asked for their scrutineering to be differed. Wishing to take a new series of tests on the brand new Lancer of Peterhansel, Alphand, Roma and Masuoka, Dominique Serieys asked the organizers to slightly postpone their scrutineering appointment: “At the shake-down session in Le Creusot, the temperature was 2°C. The cars being packed with electronics, we had to change some parameters that are sensitive e.g. to temperature differences, height or fuel, which is not exactly the same here. This is why we went test driving the cars on the Buenos Aires test track today”, explains the boss of the squad that has a track record of 12 success on the Dakar.

So New Year’s Eve will be studious and busy for the pilots of the Japanese manufacturer who now have an appointment in the morning for the administrative scrutineering. In the afternoon, their cars might cross paths for the first time with their main rivals from Volkswagen, i.e. Sainz and De Villiers as well as Robby Gordon’s Hummer. The last two winners in the bike category, Cyril Despres and Marc Coma, will also have the opportunity of chatting along the 9,500km of road and trail that await them. But one thing is sure: they will certainly not reveal their strategies to one another…

31-12-2008 - Nalbandian and Co. in the race

In 2007, Gabriel Pozzo ranked 2nd in the World Rally Championship in the N4 category. This is the best result of the Tango team founded in 2006 and funded by tennis player David Nalbandian and by Marcos Ligato. This year, the Argentinian team took things to the next level and even if its famous sponsor finds himself deprived of a direct participation in the rally raid because of the Australian Open, the team’s commitment to the Dakar has now become unavoidable: "The project was born 5 months ago, explains Ligato, who is both driver and owner of the team. So far, we have had seven cars enrolled in different South American rally events. This Dakar is a first and should lead to a greater involvement in rally raids on our part.

31-12-2008 - Minor setbacks

Pascal Vincent (Fra - 96 - KTM) wished to make the useful fun by inviting part of his family to come along to Buenos Aires one week prior to the departure of the raid. The French rider, who is taking part in his 4th edition of the Dakar, even took the opportunity of a small excursion to Uruguay to take some quiet time to adapt to the new continent. But Tuesday was a tad bit too bumpy for his taste as Pascal’s sister had her wallet stolen: "Our schedule ended up being really busy as we had to go to the police station, then to the consulate to have an emergency passport issued, etc. I could really have done without the setback but it was not a catastrophe either."

31-12-2008 - Mitsu postpones its scrutineerings

Summoned to the technical and administrative scrutineerings today, the Mitsubishi team has asked to be allowed to postpone the appointment til tomorrow. The team, under the leadership of Dominique Serieys, who received new parts for his 4 Lancer, wishes to do the calibration and last tests before the cars enter the lock park.

31-12-2008 - Go or no go?

Amongst those participants who took their scrutineerings in Le Havre, some 50 were summoned to a second round of scrutineering in Buenos Aires. Their vehicles did not exactly correspond to all the standards to abide by; some even had to be slightly modified to get the precious GO stamp that gives them the right to start the race. For the bikers concerned, the main issue pertained to reducing the noise emission level. "Some problems were just a matter of fine tuning and others called for some truly minor repairs. This was easily done once they got their bikes straight off the boat", explains Gianfranco Ferretti, bike race steward. For the car category, the officials made sure they would not send to Argentina vehicles that might not be good to go, but - again - some of the teams had to take out their toolboxes: "It is never very difficult: sometimes it is the roll bar cover that is missing or sometimes it is the cutter that must be within reach to cut off the harness in case of emergency. But the real major issues have been sorted out in Le Havre before boarding the boat", says André Garbi, a car official.

31-12-2008 - ITW "Top 10" : Francisco Lopez (CHE - 20 - KTM)

“Lucidity will be my attitude of choice!”

He is running his second edition of the Dakar with the clearly displayed aim of finishing in the Top 5. At the end of a very promising 2008 season where he finished second in the Rally of Dubai, Lopez will be a tough contender for the other favourites as he will be racing on home turf.

Francisco Lopez, when did you get to Buenos Aires?
I arrived on the 29th. I don’t have any issues with jetlag coming from Chile. We met with the whole crew. It was important to be together and get ready quietly.

Did you do any riding?
I went to the harbour and I rode the bike back to the lock park. I rode a short 100km in total. But I did not need to do much riding. We are just making the most of these few days to check the bikes and fine tune some of the last technical glitches on the bikes. As for the rest, we studied the route with David Casteu, Frans Verhoeven and the other riders in the team.

Physically do you still have to work out so close to the start?
No, the physical condition is there. Over the next few days I will just start regulating my wake-up times to the very early starts. I do a bit of stretching and I will plan one or two massage sessions before we start.

You are the only Latin American in the top riders. Do you feel the pressure?
I can handle pressure and expectations. But my goal is to race quietly, stay lucid and make sure I will not get carried away. You race a Dakar from the first to the last special stage.

31-12-2008 - ITW "Top 10" Ales Loprais (CZE - 502 - TATRA)

Ales Loprais: “I dream there would be two Dakar rally raids per year!”

Nephew to legendary truck driver Karel Loprais – six-times winner of the Dakar – young Ales soon made a name for himself on the king of all rally raids. 3rd in the overalls for his second participation in 2007, he has arrived in Buenos Aires with truly legitimate ambitions to win.

What are you doing in these last days before the race?
There is so much to do! First, I have a lot of commitments with the media. There are very few Czechs in the race and I have a real chance at performing. So obviously, the media are interested in me. Moreover, I am also doing a lot of last minute checks... I don’t want to miss even the smallest bolt or screw!

Is it hard to stay calm in these circumstances?
It is indeed, I am over the top; I just can’t stop thinking about the Dakar! I just can’t wait for the race to start. By the way my true dream would be to have two Dakar per year and for the raid to be held in different places around the world. That would be paradise!

Technically, what is the difference between your truck and the ones of your opponents?
We changed almost everything on our truck: the engine is more powerful; it has new suspensions and the transmission has been altered. Our truck is undoubtedly one of the punchiest; it is also a bit heavier than average but it remains very competitive. And Tatra must be thanked for it. We are not a manufacturer’s team but we have excellent contacts with Tatra and it helps us a great deal.

It is your third Dakar and you can already pretend to the title after ranking third in the overalls in 2007. How can you explain this skyrocketing rise to the top?
It’s most certainly inherited from my uncle Karel. This race has always been part of my live; I started going with him to Africa when I was only 14! All my life I dreamt of winning the Dakar.

31-12-2008 - ITW "Top 10" : Nasser Al Attiyah (QAT - 302 - BMW)

“Still a dream”

Nasser Al Attiyah’s progress, thwarted by two withdrawals in 2005 and 2006, almost had him reach the podium in 2007. This time, the driver from Qatar starts the Dakar with greater ambitions after his victory on the prestigious UAE Desert Challenge.

Nasser Al Attiyah, you had a wonderful year in 2008. This has made you one of the favourites…
Yes, I remember I once had number 318, then 309 in 2007 and I think I had number 305 last year… And this year I received number 302! I believe this means something. But for me, winning the Dakar is still a dream. I am rather confident because I’ve raced more rally raids than ever this year. And I think I’ve improved a great deal, as show my wins on the Baja Hungary and the UAE Desert Challenge.

The BMWs often turn out to be less efficient than Mitsubishis and Volkswagens. Will they be able to contend for victory this year?
I think the BMWs are more reliable this year, especially because we have done a lot of tests during rallies. The car was not completely redesigned this year but several elements have been improved, like the suspensions. To put it differently, this is a new car, but the engine hasn’t changed. For their part, Mitsubishi is coming with a brand new car and nobody knows what to expect.

You know the WRC very well and you have raced several times in Argentina, in the region of Cordoba. Do you think this is an advantage?
It will be completely different from what we know in WRC. Generally speaking, I expect something completely new. And I am sure it will be very difficult.

31-12-2008 - Mitsu has landed safe and well...

As opposed to the vast majority of European vehicles that boarded in Le Havre at the end of November, the Mitubishi team - as is the case for many other official teams - has waited till the last minute to send its race cars to Latin America. "The four Lancer have left the Pont-de-Vaux workshop on December 19th to board a plane in Paris on December 22nd", says David Serieys, in charge of logistics at Team Mitsubishi.
Arrived in Buenos Aires on the 23rd, the cars - together with the 2 tons of freight that accompany them - then remained with customs until the 27th before being picked up by the team staff.
"This is a drill we have already had the opportunity of doing for other races, explains the brother of Dominique Serieys, the team’s boss. We still had a lot of work to do on the car and we really needed the additional month to fine tune the Lancer. If we had been able to be ready on time, the cars would have left from Le Havre by boat like all the others."
What remains now is for the four cars enrolled and their driving teams to go through the technical and administrative scrutineerings; amongst the drivers of the Lancers are title-holder Stéphane Peterhansel and Jean-Paul Cottret.

31-12-2008 - David Casteu: "I already lost one hour in Buenos Aires"

Some of the favorites in the race have already started their administrative scrutineerings tour like both top pilots of the Vectra Team: David Casteu and Francisco Lopez. The Frenchman, who finished 3rd of the 2007 edition of the Dakar, arrived in Buenos Aires on Monday morning and started getting atuned to the rythm of the race: "This morning, I got up at 6:00 AM and tomorrow, I will get up at 5:00 AM, because all stages will be starting really early. So tonight New Year’s Eve will be very quiet for me. To return to the hotel in La Rural, we got lost for more than one hour but at this point, it is not really a problem." His new team mate, "Chaleco", who will be racing on home turf in the key stages of the Atacama Desert, has no intention of loosing precious minutes along the way either: "He has a lot to prove, says Casteu. But he will be playing at home and that is a great asset." Also present in the alleys of the scrutineerings area is Pal Anders Ullevalster, the leader of the Scandinavia team, who also intends to finish the rally raid in the top 5: "I have had a lighter racing season than in other years; so I might have a little less benchmarks. I also wonder how the bike will behave at high altitudes", says the only Norwegian in the bike line-up.

31-12-2008 - Scrutineerings: two days of scrupulous control...

After two days dedicated to the scrutineering of the vehicles of most European contenders in Le Havre, the 2009 Dakar has now taken quarters in Buenos Aires - or rather in the La Rural Exhibition Park - where the second series of scrutineerings will now be taking place. In addition to those vehicles brought to Argentina by boat, some 70 more are expected for a series of scrutineerings to be done by officials mandated to check compliance with the rules of the race. Today, 2 quads, 14 bikes, 22 cars and 2 trucks, i.e. the contenders from the American continent and the cars of the top pilots, will go through the different scrutineering desks; amongst them 8 Argentinian and 3 Chilean teams. The first competitor to be called to the technical scrutineering at 8:00 AM sharp this morning is Brazil’s quad pilot, Carlo Collet.

30-12-2008 - ITW "Top 10" Luc Alphand ( Fra - 303 - Mitsubishi)

Luc Alphand: “We are full of go”

The former downhill ski champion is one of the main protagonists of the Dakar with his three consecutive top 3 places on the finish line and above all an overall win in 2006. Alphand arrives in South America with the advantage of two victories on the continent, in 2006 and 2007.

What does a former Dakar rally winner do the days before the start of the race?
I spent eight days home in Serre-Chevalier before flying to Argentina. The weather was gorgeous, so I decided to spend time outside and do some exercise. Physically, our preparation is over. We are already fit when we get so close to the start. I simply jog some forty minutes every other day on the cross-country skiing trails. And I ski every morning. But I take it easy and I am careful. The weather is so nice that it’s perfect.

You left for Buenos Aires on December 27th. Why so early?
I wanted to recover from the jet lag and adapt quickly to the weather since we change from winter to summer. The temperature is one of the important factors one must take into account.

So did you take this opportunity to drive a little?
We worked on the car until December 18th in Pont-de-Vaux. We sent them by airfreight on December 23rd. And we will only touch them again on the day of the race. This is not a problem. We did a good job on the cars back home and I am familiar with a part of the itinerary because I won the Por las Pampas rally twice. I clearly remember the stages to Copiapo and La Serena.

These previous victories must be a source of motivation for you.
We are full of go for many reasons. Personally, I’m highly motivated. I know a bit this place and I love this side of our sport where you need to adapt and anticipate.

30-12-2008 - ITW "Top 10" : Gerard De Rooy (NLD - 505 - GINAF)

 “The winner is the one who has the least bad luck”

Gerard De Rooy is only 28 years old but he has quite a track record. The Dutchmen finished three of his five participations to the Dakar: he ranked sixth in 2002, third in 2004 and fifth in 2005. This year, behind the wheels of his Ginaf X22.23, he hopes to finally have this little bit of success that makes the whole difference.

How did you spend your last days before the start?
I’ve been very busy with my trucking business till the end of December so I didn’t really have time to train over the last few weeks. It’s not really a problem because in the truck category, it is not necessary to have the same physical condition as in the car and bike categories. So now we’re all staying with our families. Anyway, we’ve already worked hard all year, on the truck notably.

Talking about the truck, what are the last changes you brought to your Ginaf?
After the Transorientale, we did a full check-up of the truck and verified everything up to the last bolt. The truck was entirely rebuilt and all its damaged parts have been replaced. The truck is now ready and it’s really competitive. For a month now I’ve been saying to myself: “if the Dakar starts tomorrow, I’m ready to go.” It will be a nice fight e.g. with the Kamaz and the Tatra. I can’t wait to be in it.

You came extremely close to winning several times. Will this year be the year?
Just like always, we will try to get to the top. This year like every other year we can win. But the winner of the Dakar rally raid is always the one that has a little more luck than the others, or rather the one that has the least bad luck. Over the last years, I often had bad luck on my side. I hope the bad luck will go to the others this time around!

30-12-2008 - ITW "Top 10" : David Casteu (FRA - 3 - KTM)

 “The difference is that now, I know how to win”

David Casteu is used to honorary podium places, among others with his 3rd place on the 2007 Dakar. He clinched his first rally raid victory at the Central Europe Rally. This first win could trigger as well a series of victories.

Once again, this is the best season in your career. Do you think you will be able to win this Dakar?
This is obviously a wonderful season as I’ve won my very first major race at the Central Europe Rally, and then the Rally of the Pharaohs. I also reached the top 3 in other races, which is very nice. Above all, I am very happy with the fact that I did not just win easy races. Every time, I faced tough contenders.

You are also surrounded by a new team…
Yes I am. Professionally speaking, this was also a very good year. Our team is more consistent and more competitive. All my partners have followed me and even KTM, although I am not an official KTM rider, has given me the same bike as the other top riders. And regarding the assistance, we took the Rally of the Pharaohs as a final rehearsal. We identified which aspects we could improve and this will be done for the Dakar. And obviously, I am very happy to ride with Frans Verhoeven and Francisco Lopez with whom I get along very well.

Your two main opponents will be, again, Cyril Despres and Marc Coma. What makes them the favourites of the race, not you?
Of course they are the favourites. For me, Marc is the fastest rider competing on this rally. But I will be a serious outsider: I will do my utmost. Besides, I know that I am ready. The main difference lies in the fact that now I have learned how to win. At the Rally of the Pharaohs, I spent nine days ahead of the race. I had to find my way and this made me learn a lot. However, I won’t do just anything to win.

What do you think about racing on a new continent?
This is a good opportunity for those who, like me, have not raced the Dakar that many times. You know, like those riders who know Mauritania like the back of their hand… This year, we all start on an equal footing and everybody will have to find his own points of reference. It will not be possible to wait and see, everyone will have to give 100% from the start and there could be many surprises. For instance, it is possible that the 450ccs will be closer to the leaders than usual.
 

30-12-2008 - The car race : the time of diesel cars has come

Issy-les-Moulineaux, December 30th, 2008

Volkswagen took up an ambitious technological challenge at the eve of the 2004 Dakar: the German manufacturer decided to race on Mitsubishi’s turf, with the additional difficulty of going for it with a diesel car, which could eventually become the first of its kind to win the Dakar. Although the Race Touareg has put up a credible performance with two cars in the top 3 (Kleinschmidt finished 3rd in 2005 and De Villiers 2nd in 2006) and 21 stage wins in total, its mission remains incomplete. The team also bitterly remembers the 2007 race when Carlos Sainz, and then Giniel De Villiers, seemed to dominate the race before facing mechanical problems at the heart of Mauritania. This situation has made the drivers of the German team thirsty for revenge and has boosted their motivation. VW will pursue its quest in South America with Sainz and De Villiers as its major assets, but it will also count on Mark Miller, who finished 4th in 2007, and Dieter Depping.

For its part, Mitsubishi has finally managed to deal with all the situations and has clinched seven victories since 2001. Mitsubishi’s choice for a diesel-powered vehicle implies a revolution. After over 20 years’ loyal service, the Pajero was left in the garage and replaced by the Lancer to which the Japanese engineers wish the same success. For its first participation on the Dakar, the new prototype has naturally been left in the good care of Stéphane Peterhansel, the title holder and above all the man of all the records with a total of nine victories in the overall standing. The Japanese manufacturer will also count on the good services of Luc Alphand, Joan “Nani” Roma and Hiroshi Masuoka to confirm its domination.

The fight between the “Blues” and the “Reds” could also be arbitrated by the serious contenders of the BMW X-Raid team. Nasser Al Attiyah, who missed the podium in 2007 due to a late penalty, boasted more regularity during the season than his reputation may let us think. And Guerlin Chicherit seems to have fully recovered from his spectacular accident in 2007. Although no all bets are on him, Robby Gordon proclaimed himself a favourite for the final victory and probably represents the only alternative to diesel vehicles with his impressive Hummer.

Another race will take place behind the top drivers between the vehicles of the production category. According to the rally regulations, these vehicles must remain mechanically close to standard vehicles, so this category is generally quite open and competitive until the very last days of the race. Toyota won the last three editions in this category. Jun Mitsuhashi, the titleholder, will have to keep an eye on his team-mates Ronan Chabot or Nicolas Gibon but also, for instance, on Jean-Pierre Strugo and his Nissan.

For more information, visit www.dakar.com

Press Relations
Emilie Poucan
epoucan@aso.fr / +33 (0)6 78 01 51 31

29-12-2008 - ITW "Top 10" Pal Anders Ullevalseter (NOR - 4 - KTM)

Pal Anders Ullevalseter: “My dream is the podium.”

Since his first participation, the Norwegian has been used to honorary ranking and has been impressively regular at it: ranking ninth for his first edition of the Dakar, he was then the seventh, fifth, sixth and finally forth in 2007. So is a place on the podium for this year?

What was your training program in this last stretch before the race?
I trained on my enduro bike but I didn’t drive much because I was afraid of a silly injury. I prefer focusing on my physical preparation. For the last three weeks, it has been snowing a lot in Norway. So I do a lot of cross-country skiing because it is an excellent exercise. Physically, I can say I am ready.

And mentally, how do you deal with a race like the Dakar?
As before any race, I’m a bit nervous. And I might be a bit more nervous this year because we have no idea what we’re getting into. But the fear generally goes when the race starts. The Dakar is some kind of a two-week long tunnel where you think about nothing else. Actually, I sort of have the feeling I am going to war. But not to a war against the others, a war against myself.

You’ve been very steady since your first participation and after finishing right beside the podium last year, you must be very ambitious this year...
Yes, I always finished in the top 10 and it would be disappointed not to be there again this year. My dream is the podium even if I believe a lot of other drivers may finish ahead of me. I’m thinking of the likes of Coma, Despres, Casteu, Lopez, etc. I have the same bike as I had two years ago but it’s brand-new and the suspensions are better, much better. Moreover, from what I’ve seen of the race, it will be long and hard. I don’t think we’ll be getting much sleep or much fun either. But with my experience, difficult conditions might even be an advantage.

29-12-2008 - ITW "Top 10" : Giniel De Villiers (ZAF - 305 - VOLKSWAGEN)

“I am registered to win, if not, I would be wasting my time”

Giniel De Villiers is there and he wants people to know it. Ranking first of the Dakar during part of the race two years ago before finishing 11th due to a mechanical problem, the South African is back on the rally raid with victory as his sole ambition and his persistence as his main asset.

Physically and mentally how are you doing just a few days before the start?
I’m a bit tired so I will be taking a few days off before the race. Lately I’ve been training my physical condition every day; the program was not too heavy but I did some mountain biking, jogging and I went to the gym. I haven’t been doing any driving for a few weeks now. It’s important to start the Dakar fresh and not to “overtrain” prior to the rally raid. I’m also trying not to think too much about the race. But once I’m there I can tell you that race will be the only thing on my mind.

After the disappointment of two years ago what are your ambitions on the Dakar this year?
I am there to win. In any race, I am always registered to win, if not, I would be wasting my time. I will have to fight hard if I want to be ahead of Peterhansel, Sainz or Alphand, but I am confident. We worked hard on the car and brought a lot of small improvements to the suspension and to the engine. The car is better than it was two years ago and – more importantly – it is more reliable. And that is key in such a long raid.

What do you have that the others don’t and that might bring you victory?
I’m ready for a fight and I don’t give up easily. In a raid like the Dakar, you may never give up even if difficulties are piling up. You may very well have a terrible day and win the stage. You know, this rally will be very long and will ask for a lot of endurance. Crossing the Andes will be very hard for the cars and for their drivers. We will have to stand tough.

29-12-2008 - ITW "Top 10" : Firdaus Kabirov (RUS - 506 - KAM)

“Avoid wasting time”

Firdaus Kabirov won the 2005 Dakar rally and will be, again, a serious contender aiming at the top 3. But this Russian driver who has already competed in 14 Dakars does not seem to get carried away. He knows that he will have a tough time with his competitors, including in his own team which is that of the impressive Kamaz trucks with Vladimir Chagin.

Firdaus, what is your objective for the 2009 Dakar?
I wish to win the rally. But I know there will be a formidable competition, notably with the MAN, DAF and TATRA teams.

Have you designed a specific strategy for this new Dakar?
Not really. One must avoid driving and navigation mistakes. We will also have to focus a hundred percent and avoid wasting time repairing the truck.

Have you made significant changes on your truck?
The main change aimed at reducing exhaust gases in order to comply with the requirements of the rally regulations. This required a lot of work. As a consequence, the truck has lost engine power and this will make the rally much harder for us.

What was your physical preparation this year?
Every athlete has to train daily to stay in shape. It is very important to avoid getting too tired when you’re working on the truck. Everything went fine this year since the vehicles were loaded on the ship at the end of November. So we had a month to rest before the rally.

You have raced the Dakar 14 times. What is your best memory on the rally?
I think my best memory is the grandiose arrival in Cairo in 2000. The pyramids, the medal ceremony (he finished 3rd) next to the Sphinx… This final scene perfectly reflected the greatness of the Dakar.

26-12-2008 - THE BIKE RACE: A DUEL UNDER HIGH SUVEILLANCE

They are the fastest, the most reliable, the best equipped, the best at navigating, the most complete athletes of the raid: Cyril Despres and Marc Coma, the two winners of the last three editions of the Dakar have reached a level of maturity and performance that puts them at the top of their art. On the French side, the title holder has been banking on his steadiness and his cold-bloodedness to pile up success after success. His taking the lead in the last three days of the raid only in the 2007 edition typical of the Despres strategy: he built – once again – his victory on his long-lasting steadiness. On the Spanish side, the man showed pure talent until his only mistake in the 13th stage of last year’s rally. The Coma strategy aims at reaching the top of the race from the very first day onwards and this year again, the Catalan will be much awaited for a fantastic demonstration of his talents on the trails of Argentina.

If both are still favourites for this year’s Dakar, their track records in the 2008 season have been much less impressive than in previous years. With one victory only at the UAE Desert Challenge, Despres has not been too prone to victory this year, as steady as he might have been in the top positions of the rankings – he finished 2nd of the Baja Espa¬ña, of the Pax Rally and of the Rally Dos Sertoes. And the season’s results of Coma, who only won one trophy this year at the Baja España, are showing signs of the same weaknesses. Against this background that might be an opportunity for those waiting in ambush and counterattacking, David Casteu, 3rd of the Dakar in 2007, is seen as the increasingly credible outsider. His victory at the Central Europe Rally, a first for the man from Nice, was enough to wipe out any remaining complexes towards his two main contenders. But Pal-Anders Ullevalseter or Jordi Viladoms also have some serious cards to play this year. The change of continent might also change the usual rankings in the lead of the race: Chile’s Francisco Lopez, who is most certainly familiar of the Atacama Desert, will definitely start with a serious advantage in the decisive final stages of the rally raid.

Finally, if the difference in bike sizes might compromise their chances for winning the race, the bikers registered in the 450cc category, be they with Yamaha, Honda or KTM, might – for the best of them – have a serious option for a place in the Top 5. David Frétigné, who already finished 5th in 2005, will be one of the man to keep an eye on in this category where the show will certainly be made by the likes of Portugal’s Rodrigues or France’s Béthys, Marchini and Pain.

26-12-2008 - Zoom : Francisco Otano - Leonardo Miti (Arg - 411)

The dream of his life. Francisco admits he has been waiting 20 years to participate on the Dakar. He knew that one day or another he’d be able to do it. «It is so important to me, I will get a tattoo of my race number

Read the bio

26-12-2008 - ITW "Top 10" Guerlain Chicherit (Fra - 306 - BMW)

Guerlain Chicherit: “Without stress and anxiety”

Guerlain Chicherit, four-time World Extreme Skiing Champion, discovered the Dakar in 2005. Chicherit, who tries his hand at everything, was quickly spotted by Sven Qandt who took him on board the X-Raid team the following year to carry on with his apprenticeship. Chicherit has already finished 9th in the overall standing and clinched a special stage win the following year. This man from the mountains is counting on the height of the Andes cordillera to do even better.

Guerlain Chicherit, you left the 2007 Dakar after a spectacular accident. Have you fully recovered from this painful experience?
I can say I have fully recovered now, although my back ached for about one and a half year. The hardest part was to get rid of my fears. Fear “pollutes” your way of driving and during that period, I could not manage to drive and be relaxed at the same time. I kept being afraid of having an accident. I only started to be at ease and drive as I used to at the Baja Hungary last summer.

Technically speaking, will your BMW X3 allow you to compete against Mitsubishi and Volkswagen for the first places?
The car boasts a high performance, but our problem remains the reliability. We do not exactly have the same means as the other two teams. I know I had technical problems several times this year, including during the Baja Hungary and the Pax Rally. Theoretically, this should not happen again because we will have brand-new vehicles for the Dakar. I don’t want to set myself an objective in the overall standing, and obsess about it: I definitely have the means to finish in the top 3, but above all I want to enjoy the race, drive without stress or anxiety.

This new continent takes you to higher altitudes. These new racing conditions might seem to favour you…
All the top drivers certainly made a point of training in altitude. For our part, our team has practised and we simulated driving in altitude. Those who have neglected this aspect could actually pay the price. We will spend little time in altitude, but one might be less clear-headed or spend all his energy over one or two stages. This could have serious consequences. Personally, I live all year at an altitude of 2,000m, in the ski resort of Tignes (France). So I won’t have any problem adapting…

26-12-2008 - ITW "Top 10" : Wulfert van Ginkel (NLD - 503 - GINAF)

“The best ones in Africa will be the best ones in America”

Two years ago, Wulfert van Ginkel finished in the worst possible position at the foot of the podium by ranking fourth. Impatient to start the race, the Dutchman is displaying his ambition on the eve of his sixth participation in the Dakar rally raid.

How do you deal with the days just before the race?
We are very impatient. Since the truck took the boat to Argentina, we cannot train driving it. But I can tell you that my co-driver and I are already racing the Dakar in our heads! I believe we already crossed the finishing line about three times! We are handling the very last details; we are insisting in our physical preparation, we spend some time jogging and weight lifting. We’re also doing a series of physical, heart and blood tests to check that our physical condition is at its best.

After ranking fourth in 2007 can you aim higher this year?
Looking at the tests we did in Germany, I can say that we have a highly competitive truck that should allow us to enter the top 5. And if you are in the top five, the call is so close that you can always pretend to victory. I believe that Stacey – the title holder – remains this year’s favourite even if there will be a significant amount of pressure on him. I will also have to keep an eye on the Kamaz because they have brand-new top-performing trucks.

Will this Dakar rally in South America be special?
Apart from the gorgeous landscape we will discover, I don’t believe the new conditions will have a great influence on the rankings. No one is ever safe from a technical problem. The best drivers in Africa will be the best drivers in Latin America and I believe that it is to be expected that the top five will be the same, which would be rather good for us…

26-12-2008 - ITW "Top 10" : David Frétigné (Fra - 12 - YAM)

“The bike has improved, and I have too”

On his Yamaha 450cc, David Frétigné is immediately at a disadvantage in comparison with the elite riders on their 690ccs. However, he was the first to attempt the feat of competing on the Dakar on a small engine bike, while setting his sights on the top positions in the ranking. 5th on the 2005 Dakar, “Fretos” has also won four specials on the rally. He has no intention of stopping there.

David Frétigné, what kind of preparations have you focused on in the weeks leading up to Dakar?
I am training purely on sand, on an endurance bike, as if I was getting ready for Le Touquet. A few of us go to the south-west, near Langon, where we can find the right kind of terrain. These days are usually very long, it’s a real physical test. I’ve stopped completely for now, to save my energy.

You’ve upgraded your Yamaha again this year. Will this be enough to compete against the favourites in the race?
The last trials we did with the bike were very encouraging. What’s more, I won the Shamrock on this bike and Olivier Pain had a victory with it as well at the Tunisia Rally. With a 450cc, what matters is improving the machine’s reliability. This year we’ve installed a new exhaust line which should allow us to place less demands on the engine, and therefore to spare it. That’s a very good sign. So my aim is to step onto the podium, because I’ve already come 5th. I think that this is more of a possibility than in other years, because the bike has improved, and so have I.

Could the change of continent act in your favour?
We don’t know exactly what to expect, but the tracks could be a little less twisting than in Africa. Of course, that would be very good for me, but it will still be very hard to take a place. For example, to compete with Coma and Despres I would need more regular confrontations. In purely technical terms, I don’t feel they have any advantage over me. However, they have great experience in navigation.

25-12-2008 - ITW "Top 10" : Robby Gordon (Usa - 309 - HUMMER)

“Our Hummer has never been so well prepared”

Will Robby Gordon clinch the overall victory on his fourth attempt? The Californian driver wants to believe it. One week from the start of the race, the American NASCAR idol dreams of arriving as the winner in Buenos Aires on January 18. He would become the first American to win the Dakar in his car…

Why do you think you can win the Dakar this year?

For different reasons. First, our Hummer has never been so well prepared. We did our last tests just a few days ago: the car is excellent and extremely resistant. We performed very well on the Central Europe Rally of the Dakar Series, except for a technical problem that has been solved now. And all the mechanics are really excellent. So we all share the same objective – to win – and we have put a lot of efforts into it. Nothing pays off like a good preparation to race the Dakar!

South America as scenario will be an advantage?

It’s a clean slate for all since we will be racing on a new continent. None of the top drivers has much racing experience in these countries, whereas they know the Saharan trails like the back of their hands. For my part, I have never raced in South America, but the terrain should be similar to what I’ve seen in the Bajas in the US and Mexico. And I’m excellent on the Bajas…

What did you lack to win the previous editions?

I certainly lacked experience and a better knowledge of the terrain. Things start working out much better when you are able to identify the traps the road has in store for you. Experience is the one thing you cannot buy…

Are the American media interested in your participation?

The Dakar rally is not well-known in the USA, but there are many news reports about us. A victory could generate great interest in the media, as there is no motor sports event in the US in January. So the way is open for us…

25-12-2008 - ITW "Top 10" (Jap - 511 - HINO)

“Teaching young people how to triumph over difficult situations”

At 67 years of age, and with 25 Dakars behind him, Yoshimasa Sugawara is still full of energy and humour. While it would now seem a little difficult for him to play for the very top positions – a challenge now passed on to his son Teruhito – the Japanese driver nevertheless remains a very serious contender for the top 10.

Yoshimasa, what is your objective for this new Dakar?
It’s hard to say, Argentina is a new venue so it’s a whole new challenge for us. However, I must say that it’s a pleasure to visit a country that has produced so many great drivers, such as Juan Manuel Fangio for example. The terrain will be very different to what we’ve been used to in Africa, so the first goal will be to finish the rally.

What strategy will you adopt for this?
It will be a case of adapting to the terrain. In general, I will be very careful because this will be the first time I’ve driven in this kind of landscape. I think that the race will be divided into various sections: the first specials will be quite fast, followed by the middle ones - mountainous routes at high altitude. Then we’ll have the Atacama desert. All in all, I think that this will be the most important part of the rally.

Have you made any modifications to your truck (a Hino Ranger) for this latest event?
We have made two major changes. In the first place, we moved the engine further back to change the configuration. This will help to improve our stability and the manoeuvrability of the truck, and distribute the weight more evenly. Then we widened the wheel base, also with the aim of stabilising the vehicle. Finally, we replaced certain items with new materials. We opted for aluminium due to its lightness.

How have you prepared yourself physically?
My perfect preparation is beer and tobacco. In Japan it’s winter at the moment, while it’s summer in Argentina. To acclimatise ourselves, we decided to arrive in South America in mid-December.

What is your secret for having lasted such a long time on the Dakar?
A great deal of warm support from the sponsors, not forgetting the fans. And then there’s the Japanese pride, that’s perhaps my secret.

You’ve taken part in 25 Dakars. How do you find your motivation each year?
The Dakar and the associated preparation are very difficult. I think that it’s a good lesson, a good learning ground for the younger members of our team. I still take part in the Dakar to show them the ability to triumph over adversity and in difficult situations.

25-12-2008 - ITW "Top 10" : Jordi Viladoms (Esp - 9 KTM)

“I’m in top shape morally.”

This year might be the year for Jordi Viladoms. His two withdrawals in his two first participations in the Dakar Rally Raid are now far away. All that remains is a stage victory in Zouerat in 2007. He’s coming back, readier than ever, fully recovered from his elbow injury and prepared like he’s never been. 

What have you been up to these last few days?
I have not touched my bike since mid-December. Near Igualada, in the centre of Catalonia, it’s cold and the trails are hard, sometimes frozen. I am not taking any chances. But to keep in touch with riding, I do a couple of hours of motocross two or three times a week on the Park Motor racetrack of the Catalan Federation of Motorcycle Racing. I also go to the gym a little and I cycle a lot. I do both mountain-biking for two to three hours and cycling on roads in periods of two to three hours each.

You are leaving for Buenos Aires on the 27th, what will you be doing until the start of the race?
Physically speaking, starting with the week of Christmas, I will cool the pace down a bit and just do maintenance work out. We will indeed be arriving in Buenos Aires on the 27th and we hope to be able to drive the bike just what is necessary to check that everything is okay with it. But more we will not do. As for the route, we are trying to collect information on the altitude at which certain stages will be raced and on the kind of terrain we can expect. But that will be hard to anticipate at this stage.

How’s the atmosphere inside the team?
We are in this race to win. Personally, I think I’ve never felt this good. I am in peace, I am quiet. I know I am well prepared.

24-12-2008 - ITW "Top 10" : Thierry Magnaldi (Fra - 320 - BUGGY)

“I am not wasting my energy before the race.”

He is participating in the 17th edition of the Dakar after an interruption of three seasons. Ranking 8th in the overalls in 2006, Thierry Magnaldi is rediscovering the race on board a Gache buggy with Guy Leneveu as his navigating co-driver and with the exact same ambitions of making it to the top 10.

Thierry Magnaldi, what do you do in these last days before the Dakar starts?
I spend time finalizing the budget. As I enrolled kind of late, it was a bit of a race against time for the whole of December for me. But feedback is good: people believe in us. If they did not, they wouldn’t be on board. Over the last few days, I also managed the decoration of the buggy with the printing and positioning of sponsor stickers depending on their different levels of involvement.
I am also fine tuning the coverage of my participation in the Dakar Rally still for my sponsors. During the race, we will issue a daily newsletter.”

What is your physical preparation?
I jog for an hour every evening. If I can’t, I go to the gym. As for the race itself, I don’t have any particular work out. I know it is much more a question of mental disposition. Because of my biker years, I still have a road book reflex. To me, having a perfect knowledge of the route is the number one rule that has to apply 100% of the time. You have to trust those who’ve done the itinerary. That is also the only way of giving the best of you. And that preparation is always happening the day before each stage, so personally, I am not wasting my energy before the race. To get a good result on the Dakar, you have to take the race one day at a time.

24-12-2008 - ITW "Top 10" : Pep Vila (Esp - 510 - MERCEDES)

“Our race strategy will be waiting in ambush.”

Used to being in the top 10 at stage end, Pep Vila, 15th in the overalls in 2007, is one of the bankable contestants in the truck race. An advocate of a tough race, the truck driver expects – again – a lot from this edition of the Dakar and hopes to finish in the top 10.

Pep Vila, how did you spend your time since the scrutineering in Le Havre?
It’s a strange situation. In the previous editions, we were caught by the preparation on the truck and by the trial races. This year, we’re faced with an unseen situation. We have some free time and we could therefore spend some time working with our sponsors. We’ve been available for the media as well whereas in the past it had always been difficult to respond to invitations from televisions for instance.

Are you worried about the race?
It’s hard to say because it’s all brand-new. We tried to get some information over the Web and on the phone. One of our mechanics is Argentinean. One of the co-drivers, Moïses, studied all maps very closely to see what might be waiting for us out there but it’s hard to do more than that. Personally, I do a little bit of enduro whenever I have time because I love to be on my bike.

You ranked 15th in 2007, what do you expect for this year?
First I expect a harsh race. I know it will be hard and it’s fine by us. Our goal is to be as close to the big battle at the top between trucks as we can and to wait in ambush for the right moment. Our race strategy will precisely be to wait in ambush. If we were to finish in the top 10, it would be wonderful. We might not have the best truck but it is a very reliable machine.

24-12-2008 - ITW "Top 10" : Thierry Béthys (Fra - 8 - HONDA)

“I never go beyond my limits”

Former French motocross champion, Thierry Béthys has built his reputation mainly on the sand of the Le Touquet Enduro, notching up three victories at this major winter gathering. After a debut appearance on the Dakar in 2006, he took his place among the top 10 in 2007. Progress he can build on in South America.

Thierry Béthys, what is your main objective for the 2009 Dakar?
My priority is to manage to complete the loop without suffering any mechanical breakdowns or falls. I never go beyond my limits on the track, but I do pull out all the stops to achieve the best possible position. I think that aiming for a place in the general ranking podium would be difficult, but I won’t be beaten.

What sets you apart from the best racing drivers, to set your sights on winning?
I think that the main difference isn’t at a technical level, but rather in terms of navigation experience. I think it takes at least four or five years on the Dakar to truly master this area. However, I must admit, it’s a great feeling to find yourself out on your own at the front, marking the first tracks. That happened to me at the Tunisia Rally and it’s a huge adrenaline rush. It’s something I’d like to experience at the rally, because my main reason for taking part is above all to enjoy it.

Does your Honda’s engine size put you at a disadvantage in the general ranking?
Yes, although the gap seems to be narrowing with the KTMs, there will always be a few fast stages where we can’t compete and could lose minutes. It would be interesting to see what would happen if Coma, Despres and Casteu were on 450cc bikes, I don’t think I would be too far behind! In the meantime, I’ll aim for victory in the category, and I know that there will be a lot of competition. Whatever happens, I’m taking part in this rally for its spirit of adventure, and I know that if I ride at my own pace I’ll finish among the first fifteen. So unless I have a fall, I know I’ll finish on a high every evening.

23-12-2008 - ITW "Top 10" : Yvan Muller (Fra - 325 - SMG)

“I cannot lie.”

With Lewis Hamilton in F1 and Sebastien Loeb in WRC, Yvan Muller is the third World Champion to be awarded a titled by the FIA on the WTCC circuit. The Alsatian, who is discovering the Dakar solo after a first test run with René Metge, is pretty moderate about his ambitions.

Why such a lack of ambition?
In terms of results, I won’t lie to myself. My intentions for this Dakar are limited. I only have one mechanic with me and, by definition, behind the wheels of a single seat buggy; you have to navigate on your own, which I have never done. Realistically speaking I would therefore say that I am like an amateur jogger enrolling for the New York Marathon. My only ambition is not an ambition: I just want to get to the finish line.

Did you have time to prepare yourself and to study the route?
I would’ve loved to have had December to get ready for the Dakar. But after winning the world title, I had to be present and attend many events organized by my sponsor. For instance, I spent two days at Seat in Barcelona the weekend of the 20th and 21st of December. When I’m home, I try to pack well and prepare the paperwork. I’m really trying to do everything I need to in terms of vaccines and for my 2009 license. As to the itinerary, I don’t have the time to look at it. I printed it out and I will study it when I’m on the plane. 

In terms of physical and driving preparation, what are the last things you will do to get ready?
Actually, nothing. I’ll be flying in on the 28th and I will have the 29th to check the buggy. As to my physical preparation, I don’t have time to work out. Anyway, my doctors have spotted a fatigue fracture on my left foot. It should be fine for the race but right now it prevents me from doing a little bit of jogging for instance. Actually, my existing physical condition will be my only preparation. And I will only have the weekend of Christmas to rest a little bit before the Dakar starts.

23-12-2008 - ITW "Top 10" : André De Azevedo (Bra - 504 - TATRA)

“The Brazilian media are putting me under a lot of pressure.”

This year, André de Azevedo is embarking upon his 21st participation in the Dakar. Be it on a bike or behind the wheels of a truck, the Brazilian driver has always been very steady in the excellence that puts him naturally amongst the favourites for this Latin American edition of the Dakar.

How do you feel nine days before the big start?
I’m not too relaxed! The Brazilian media are putting me under a lot of pressure before this first Dakar in Latin America. They all think that it will be easier for me this year just because I come from the continent! But I don’t think so; I don’t know Argentina or Chile too well... I am trying to manage this media madness that is much more intense this time then when the race took place in Africa. It is not very easy to manage but I make do: I already have 20 Dakar behind me so I know the drill. But it’s only my co-driver’s third edition so it’s a bit new to him!

Which last technical fine-tuning did you do on your Tatra T-815 truck?
There has been no last-minute change because I will be getting the truck on the 30th of December. My truck and my assistance both come from the Czech Republic and they have travelled by boat from Le Havre, France. When I dropped by at the Tatra factory in October, I could see the latest adjustments to my truck: it will be shorter by 10 cm; it will have new suspensions at the front and new brake pads. I have great confidence in this truck; I’ve been driving on the same model 10 times now.

What kind of workouts do you have in your routine to be fit at the start?
Being fit is mainly the fruit of a year’s of preparation paying out today. A few days before the race starts, I jog, I pay attention to what I eat and I ride my motorbike a little. The region where I live, between Rio and São Paulo, is paradise for those who love enduro racing like me.

23-12-2008 - ITW "Top 10" : Frans Verhoeven (Nld - 15 - KTM)

“Finishing in the top 10 and being the best Dutchman.”

Four years ago, Frans Verhoeven entered the Dakar Rally for the first time and surprised the world of rally by finishing 16th. Today, the Dutchman is the manager of Vectra Racing, a team that is more than legitimate to aim for the top with David Casteu and Francisco Lopez in its ranks.

How is preparation going in these last few days before the start?
I still have quite a bit of work to do as manager of the Vectra team. I must handle logistics, coordination and it all takes time! Apart from that, I have given up little bit on physical preparation. I am dedicating most of my time to developing my driving skills. I spent four hours a day driving my enduro bike in Belgium and the Netherlands. We will be arriving in Buenos Aires five days before the start to be able to adapt to the weather conditions there.

What are your goals in Latin America?
On a personal note, I would like to finish in the top 10 and, more importantly, to be the best Dutchman; that’s really important. I’ll certainly be fighting against Henk Knuiman [11th in the last edition of the Dakar] for that title. Apart from that, as far as the team is concerned, I would like us to be able to fight KTM. Marc Coma remains the favourite in this race but we have a good team, we have good bikes and I know that we can do well. David Casteu can win and everybody knows it. And Francisco Lopez will be on home turf; he knows the place by heart.

Do you have a strategy?
Yes, we do. We decided that each one of us would do his own race until the rest day. Then, we will decide, depending on where each one of us stands in the rankings, if there’s a way we can win and maybe the whole team will then be at the service of the rider who is best positioned in the rankings.

Which memories do you keep from your previous experiences on the Dakar?
One of the worst memories is when I fell in 2007, on the eve of the finish. I broke both shoulders and I had to abandon as I was fifth in the rankings. One of my best memories is from the same year: I really had the feeling I had done a great job as a support rider for Cyril Despres and on the podium he whispered in my ear: “You know, I did not win this Dakar in my own.”

23-12-2008 - Zoom : Cristian Romero (Arg - 179 - KTM)

In 1998 he wore the 118 bib on his back. Cristian Romero was at the time the first Argentinian to live the Dakar adventure on a bike. The attempt stopped in Mauritania, close to Atar after nine stages. Read the bio

22-12-2008 - ITW "Top 10" - Stéphane Henrard (Bel - 314 - VW)

“This is a good course for buggies”

After achieving 10th place in 2007 and taking 6th in 2003, Stéphane Henrard has modified his buggy again to reduce its weight. A last-minute change that by no means detracts from the Belgian driver’s chances at this Dakar.

Why did you leave it so late to complete the final preparation of your buggy?
We had to carry out some major repairs on two customer cars after the last Pharaohs Rally, where they had rolled over. We had planned to carry out only minor alterations to them when they got back, which would have left enough time to finish my buggy. However, we found ourselves overloaded with work a month before we left. So my buggy set off for Buenos Aires by plane.

Have you been able to test it enough?
We drove on sand along the Belgian coast on the weekend of 13 to 14 December. Everything was fine. This wasn’t actually a test session, but we plan to take it for a drive in Buenos Aires on 30 December to check a few final things.

What changes did you make?
We replaced the chassis and changed the volume distribution in order to reduce the weight. We also adjusted the suspension.

Why do you think that this Dakar will be good for two-wheel drive vehicles?
I was afraid that the course would be very mountainous, twisting and narrow. However, as far as I can gather it will be fast, and more of a sandy route. I know that a buggy can shine on this type of terrain.

22-12-2008 - ITW "Top 10" - Teruhito Sugawara (Jap - 513 - HINO)

“I’m hoping for a difficult race”

After acting as co-driver to his father, Yoshimasa, at many events, the last three years have seen Teruhito Sugawara take the wheel, and the results speak for themselves: 6th place in 2005, 7th in 2006 and 9th in 2007. With a brand new truck this year, the Japanese driver is expected to be among the leaders.

What target have you set for your 11th Dakar?
Like every year, I would like to win the “under 10 litres” class. As far as the general ranking is concerned, there is perhaps a small chance I might win, but with so many good trucks taking part I think it will be very difficult. Particularly since our vehicle is smaller than the others.

How did your truck perform in the pre-Dakar tests?
It did very well. It’s a new truck to which we have made a lot of modifications. We put it through its paces at a small rally in Mongolia, and it performed very well, especially on mountain roads. We also practiced some jumps in Japan to check its stability. Once again, it performed well.

Do you follow any special fitness programme?
No, I don’t do anything (laughs). We will see in the race if that poses a problem. I didn’t do any physical training in previous years either and I got by ok.

Do you think that the terrain in Argentina and Chile will give you an advantage?
I don’t know. I think the route will be more adventurous in comparison with Africa and, since 98% of the competitors are not familiar with the terrain, we’ll all be in the same situation. I hope that the race will be difficult, because our little truck, with its less powerful engine, performs better on technical sections. So from our point of view, the more difficult the better.

Your father will be behind the wheel of another of your team’s trucks. Will you be watching out for him during the race?
There isn’t really any competition between us. However, at almost 70 years old he can still go very fast and has a huge amount of experience after his 25 Dakars. In any case, the fact that he’s taking his place in the line-up shows that he’s still competitive, otherwise he would have retired by now.

22-12-2008 - ITW "Top 10" - Alain Duclos (14 - KTM)

“Where I finish is just incidental”

After having achieved a perfect performance for an up-and-coming amateur on the Dakar, winning the 450 cc category with a 6th-placed finish in the general standings in 2006, Alain Duclos was contacted by the prestigious KTM team to perform the role of water carrier for Cyril Despres. This new challenge opens up new opportunities.

Alain Duclos, how were you recruited by KTM?
They had been keeping a watchful eye on my progress and saw that I’ve been a consistent rider over the last few years. So, they contacted me during August and asked me to help Cyril Despres to win the Dakar. For me, it’s recognition for all the hard work that I’ve put in up until now.

Your potential means a place in the Top 10 is likely. What makes you different from the race favourites such as Cyril Despres or Marc Coma, for example?
They are better on several levels, technically obviously, in terms of pure speed, and physically also. For example, if I want to follow their pace over long stages, I really suffer for it after 300 km. Finally, the difference is clear concerning tactics, because they have a particularly fine-tuned knowledge of racing and navigating. They have vision that I don’t, because they have been doing it all year round for a long while, whereas I have a job in civil engineering, which keeps me busy all week.

What then are your objectives for Dakar 2009?
As regards the standings, where I finish is just incidental. I’m only there to help Cyril win. Beyond that, to speculate on how the race might turn out, if Cyril were to win and everything works out okay, then why not a place in the top 5? But I see it mostly as an opportunity to learn at professional level, which is tough and hard. Personally, I don’t see it as an achievement, but the opportunity to make a grand entrance into this world. To avoid spoiling the occasion, I’ll need to have my wits about me. I’m just going to do my job and learn from the experience.