They speak about their Dakar

December 31 ^st 2021 - 14:58 [GMT + 3]

Yesterday afternoon, 30 of the top competitors in the 2021 Dakar participated in a video conference, revealing their ambitions for the race to come and a lot more. Their remarks, captured for the first time on this interactive format that has won over the rally caravan, can be found on all of the official Dakar platforms.
 
There are just a few days to go before the action heats up on the tracks and in the dunes of Saudi Arabia, but the Dakar champions have already somehow discovered uncharted territory by taking part in a digital press conference. Isolated in their hotel rooms adhering to the health protocols imposed on them upon their arrival in Jeddah, the main favourites spoke of their ambitions, recreating a bivouaclike atmosphere through the use of video screens! “We are all 100% committed once we put on our helmets, but once we arrive at the bivouac, we experience the same pleasure when talking about what we saw during the day, donkeys or camels along the tracks. In reality, it's like a second family," explains Toby Price in describing the mindset among the bikers. It is the same idea from Stéphane Peterhansel on the eve of his 32nd participation, remembering "that in the beginning, the Dakar was a dream and even today it's still not a job, but rather a pleasure". All impatient and relieved to start the 43rd edition, the leading tenors of the rally, from Carlos Sainz to Ricky Brabec via the returning Sébastien Loeb, Ignacio Casale who is starting a new career behind the wheel of a truck, Yazeed Al Rajhi who carries the hopes of an entire nation, and Seth Quintero who is plunging into the deep end at the age of 18, have the opportunity to provide their vision of the Dakar. The memories of their first participation, the fear after a fall, the desire to surpass themselves in this competition, which motivates them more than any other, or humility in the face of the hazards that the rally holds in store... Secrets to savour and discover in an uncustomary interview format. Let's see what surprises they are ready to share with us!
 
Ignacio Casale (Chl - trucks) “My first Dakar, in 2010, was in a truck alongside my father. It was so hard that I swore I would never do it again. But I have met and even surpassed all of my objectives by winning the quad category three times. So, when I received the offer from the Buggyra team, I didn’t hesitate: it was, of course, yes.”
 
Ricky Brabec (Usa - bikes) "Whether you win it or not, the Dakar changes your life. The victory is just the icing on the cake".
 
Nasser Al Attiyah (Qat - cars) “Winning is always the goal. I have always won with the number 301! But I have respect for all the drivers and I am especially grateful to all those who worked so hard so that we could be together for this Dakar in Saudi Arabia, because this year has been very difficult for everyone".
 
Kirsten Matlock (Usa - SSV) “The Dakar is at the very top of my list of things I want to accomplish in my life. On the Baja 1000 in the United States, I drove from start to finish and it can last as long as 28 hours, I am used to it. But here, it will be for 12 days! My main worry is the fear of the unknown".
 
Check out the entire videoconference on the platform of your choice:

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1lPJqXDwOdWGb 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dakar/videos/436291154216415/

• YouTube: https://youtu.be/SXc_wgvIhMM

• Dailymotion: https://dai.ly/x7y8i1s