Dakar 2018: First tour

March 30 ^th 2017 - 17:56

“The best of the three countries, with very different terrains.” In the wake of the announcement of the 2018 Dakar passing through Peru, Bolivia and Argentina, Etienne Lavigne made his way to South America to meet the competitors and present the stages they will compete in next January. While the Peruvian authorities were focused on more urgent problems, Etienne Lavigne’s tour began in La Paz with a ceremonial start with President Evo Morales in attendance. The Bolivian leader announced that the country’s other capital city Sucre will host a Dakar Feria during the passing of the rally. But the microphones were also turned toward quad racer Walter Nosiglia, who won a stage in Bolivia last January, who is just a touch apprehensive about the next Dakar. “I am thrilled that the Dakar will return to our country, but I know that for sure it will be even more difficult than in past years with the time spent in Peru. We are less accustomed to the very big dunes; they will be a highlight of the event. "

In Argentina, the last portion of the rally route also presents itself as quite a challenge. Between Salta and Córdoba, all forms will be employed, with possibilities for all racing styles. The programme seems to have convinced Aljandro and Marcos Patronelli to make their return to the event, but following six victories in quad, the brothers from Las Flores will share a vehicle in the SSV category and still with Yamaha. They will be reunited with one of their former rivals, Daniel Mazzucco, who is also looking to enter in one of these light-weight buggies, opting for the Can-Am machine.

The stage cities of the 2018 Dakar
Saturday January 6: Lima - Pisco
Sunday January 7: Pisco - Pisco
Monday January 8: Pisco - San Juan de Marcona
Tuesday January 9: San Juan de Marcona - San Juan de Marcona
Wednesday January 10: San Juan de Marcona - Arequipa
Thursday January 11: Arequipa - La Paz
Friday January 12: Rest day at La Paz
Saturday January 13: La Paz - Uyuni
Sunday January 14: Uyuni - Tupiza
Monday January 15: Tupiza - Salta
Tuesday January 16: Salta - Belén
Wednesday January 17: Belén - Chilecito
Thursday January 18: Chilecito - San Juan
Friday January 19: San Juan - Córdoba
Saturday January 20: Córdoba - Córdoba