CHICHERIT Guerlain FRA 20/05/1978

THOERNER Maria cristina CHE

Vehicle

MODEL	MAKE
X3 CC	BMW

RANKING

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14
Scratch	86	2	5	12	6	9	5	8	4	5	1	29	3	3
Stage	84	2	5	12	6	9	5	8	4	5	1	29	3	3	-
Overall	84	28	11	11	8	7	4	5	5	5	5	5	5	5	-

“I have found the good rhythm”

In the world of extreme sports ever since he was a child, Guerlain Chicherit can be placed in the class of the extremely talented sportsmen. World extreme skiing champion, the man form the mountains discovered motorsports through the Andros Trophy and then the Junior WRC. In 2005, thanks to his victory with companion Matthieu Baumel in the Volant Dakar selection, he earned his first ticket for the rally. The new challenge was accomplished in style by the young crew, onboard a Bowler known for its consistency. Less for its performances. This first experience in the dunes, finished in 49th position immediately convinced the newcomers: "Something really happened once we managed to reach Dakar. Since then I haven’t spent a day without thinking about the rally. I wanted to do all I could to carry on and improve", remembers Guerlain. Noticed by the Team BMW X-Raid, Chicherit showed he was competitive in 2006, finishing 9th overall with a first ever stage success on his record. His progression continued in 2007 before suffering a major setback on a spectacular accident including several tumbles during stage 6. Seriously injured, Chicherit took several months to recover his physical shape. His 4th Dakar was hit by a series of mechanical upsets that prevented him from doing better than a 9th spot overall. But for this 2010 edition and despite the setbacks, the Frenchman might have found the winning formula: “I think that the turning point occurred when my partnership with Tina Thörner started. I learned a lot with Mathieu (Baumel) because we started the off-road rally adventure together but she found the way to calm down my enthusiasm and envy. Thanks to her experience and her competitiveness, I manage to understand in a better way when to attack and when to slow down and take care of the car. Now, I have found a good rhythm”. On the way to the Dakar the new crew conquered the off-road rally world champions’ title, thanks to their two wins in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge and the Transiberico rally in Portugal. The situation has also been slightly changed due to the arrival of two glorious recruits in the X-Raid team, Nani Roma and Stéphane Peterhansel. “Their contribution is considerable. Without having changed teams, I have the feeling that with them we have switched to something a lot more professional. For example, they are both excellent at developing the car: just by giving their advice on their settings, they managed to transform the car during the training camps that we lived together. And they totally share their knowledge; it’s great to start the Dakar with them. If one of them is in a position to win, I will do all I possibly can so that they triumph. And I’m sure that they will do the same for me if the situation showed up”.

Dakar start photos on line: www.maindruphoto.com

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