“The invitation came and I couldn't stay at home!”

Carlos Sousa will be one of the surprise participants at Dakar 2018 after agreeing to return for the Renault Duster Team. The veteran Portuguese has already taken part in the world's most famous rally 17 times, showing remarkable consistency since his debut in 1996. In total, he has managed eleven top-10 finishes, and even came as high as fourth in 2003. Determined to improve on a 22nd-place finish for rookie Facundo Ardusso at Dakar 2017, Renault are putting their faith in experience this time around. Alongside Sousa will be battle-hardened French co-driver Pascal Maimon, who has been taking part in the Dakar since the 1980s and won the 2002 edition with Hiroshi Masuoka. Sousa, who turns 52 during the rally, is a winner of multiple off-road and all-terrain championships in his native Portugal. He has also raced for some big teams in the past - including Mitsubishi, Nissan and Volkswagen - and is convinced that he and Maimon are capable of achieving another top-10 finish for the Duster team.

"I was very proud to receive an invitation to return to the Dakar in 2018. I haven't raced for the past two years, so being asked to come back was the last thing I was expecting. But the invitation came and I couldn't stay at home! I'm feeling very motivated. I've been keeping an eye on the excellent work the team has been doing, and I can't wait to get behind the steering wheel of the Duster. I believe that we can spring a surprise and finish in the top 10. It won't be easy because of the quality of the entry list, but I still think it's possible. I believe my desert experience will help us achieve that objective, especially given that Dakar 2018 starts with a lot of sand."