“We’ll see what they have in store for us this time!”

Maik Willems and Robert Van Pelt boast one of the most experienced Dakar partnerships, facing their ninth event together in the Bastion Hotels team for 2023. Willems, owner of the hotel chain that backs their Toyota Hilux, made his debut with an unforgettable South American adventure in 2014. Co-driver Van Pelt did eight Dakars on a bike, then switched to a truck for three events before joining forces with Willems from 2014. The pair have a six out of eight finishing record, including a best of 24th place in 2018. Despite his ’day job’, Willems will be sleeping in a small tent…

Maik Willems: “You’re never 100% prepared for the Dakar, but we are as prepared as you can be. It’s our ninth Dakar together, so Robert and I work like a well oiled machine. Our goal is just to finish, focusing on each day as it comes.
“It’s important to be prepared for problems, but not get too obsessed by what might happen. The Dakar is all about challenges. Every day is different, with the organisers always finding something new for you to master. We’ll see what they have in store for us this time!
“My first Dakar in Peru is still my most memorable. I’d never seen such amazing dunes. It was just a remarkable event and a lot of fun. I’d say the driving challenge was similar to other Dakars, but the atmosphere in South America was special.
“I don’t know how many more Dakars I’ll do, but the next one is always the most beautiful!”