With 430 vehicles expected at the start in Buenos Aires, the Dakar has witnessed an increase in participation near to 20% in relation to the 2010 edition. The density of top-level competitors promises an intense struggle for victory in all categories.

The impressions of Frédéric Lequien, Deputy Director of the Dakar:

“In the bike category, rarely in the history of the Dakar will the field have been so evenly matched, since limiting elite riders to 450cc machines has opened new perspectives for constructors. Aprilia, KTM, Yamaha, Honda, Sherco… almost all of them will be present. The race promises to be captivating, now there is a more level playing field and without a doubt, we will be treated to an excellent spectacle.

As for the cars, BMW X Raid will start from a strong position with no less than 6 cars at the start. With the progress of the X3, Stéphane Peterhansel now possesses a formidable weapon for victory and to throw a spanner in the works of Volkswagen’s plans, even if the new Race Touaregs seem extremely efficient, as could be seen with the triumph of Carlos Sainz on the Silk Way Rally in Russia. Volkswagen knows how to deliver thrilling races: to illustrate Kris Nissen didn’t give racing instructions to Sainz and Al Attiyah in their final duel last year! The outsiders will all be taking starter’s orders: Robby Gordon will be entering two cars, Mathias Kahle, the former German rally champion will be driving the new SMG buggy, and let’s not forget the Overdrive or Dessoude prototypes…

A special nod should be given to the NRJ challenge (for alternative fuels) with 6 cars on the starting line this year. Toyota Autobody will be fielding two vehicles running on fuel recycled at 100% from cooking oil, a French project will be running a hydrogen/diesel hybrid and other vehicles will be powered by liquid gas. In the truck race, all the leading lights will be present: Kamaz, De Rooy, Ginaf, Hino, Tatra… Of particular note is the return of the official MAN trucks via the private Veka team. The race will be more open than ever before!”

The event in figures:

• Total number of vehicles enrolled: 430 (362 in 2010)
• Cars: 146 (134 in 2010) - Bikes: 183 (151 in 2010)- Quads: 33 (25 in 2010) - Trucks: 68 (52 in 2010)
• 51 nationalities will take starter’s orders (40 in 2010).
• 13 women will participate, all categories included.
• 6 crews have enrolled for the NRJ Challenge (for alternative fuels).
• First-time participants: 64 bikes - 21 quads - 50 cars - 1 truck.

Interesting facts:

For his second participation, Rodrigo Andrès Caballero Alcayaga in the bike category will be, at the age of 20 years, the youngest competitor in the event.

Japan’s Yoshimasa Sugawara, at the age of 69 years, holds the record for the number of participations, with 28 consecutive Dakar rallies!