The Italians are fired up!

June 1 ^st 2018 - 17:41

Italian rally-raid enthusiasts came together Thursday evening in the Milan city centre at the latest stop on the European swing of the Dakar Tour. Along with “rookie” Maurizio Gerini and buggy driver Eugenio Amos, many other Italians also aspire to take part in the adventure.

There was a party atmosphere in the air in Milan Thursday night. The Dakar Tour made a visit to the trendy Deus Café where the Milanese enjoy sipping a drink and admiring the many vintage motorcycles and accessories on sale. More than 180 people, competitors, team members, journalists and rally enthusiasts were on hand to discuss the next edition of the toughest rally-raid in the world, which will take place in Peru from January 6 - 17, 2019.

Between emotion and determination

There was a friendly and emotional moment when tribute was paid to Fausto Vignola who was team mate to Maurizio Gerini, who starred in his first Dakar last January, and who will be back for more in 2019. “As soon as I made it to the finish, I went straight to work to come back stronger. It is a unique experience, both from a human and sporting perspective.” A strong desire shared by Jacopo Cerutti, who will participate in his 4th Dakar. “My goal is to further improve and why not get closer to the Top 10. I am very motivated. " 

A certain emulation

The RTeam preparer is a Dakar regular and is preparing to enter two cars and two trucks next January. “We have many enthusiastic drivers, who have the potential to compete with the leaders, says Italian Dakar correspondent, Edo Mossi. There is a certain amount of competition among the experienced drivers and the younger guys, which can only be positive for the future.”

Among the sources of inspiration for Italian rally-raid enthusiasts, there is Eugenio Amos. During the previous edition, the Italian was running an honourable 6th place in his buggy during a Peruvian sand stage, between San Juan de Marcona and Arequipa. “The new edition promises several sand stages, which will be fantastic”, explains Eugenio. “In addition, we will have fewer high-altitude stages, which will preserve our machines.”

There is unanimous support from the entire Italian contingent for a 100% Peru Dakar. Peru offers a variety of incredible landscapes and many dune sectors. At the end of the presentation, as night fell on Milan, the participants left the Deus Cafe with stars in their eyes with the fierce desire to head to in Peru in eight months.