“My brothers pulled me to the Dakar”
CREW FACTS
F.P.
- Francesco Pece is a new name among the Dakarians but he already has a close relationship with the world’s most iconic rally-raid thanks to the participations of his brothers Giacomo and Umberto Clerici.
- Pece is used to traveling around the world and has lived in China, South Africa, the USA Dubai… He’s now excited to discover Saudi Arabia and its legendary desert.
M.B.
- With more than three decades as a navigator, Monica Buonamano has explored many deserts, from Tunisia to Saudi Arabia, passing by Egypt, the UAE… “My heart beats for off-road events”, she says. “But my real passion is the Dakar.”
- She discovered the Dakar Classic in 2023, in a female crew with Valentina Casella, and jumped aboard Giuseppe Simonato’s truck for the 2024 edition, before returning to a car this January.
AMBITIONS 2025
F.P.: “Participating in the Dakar came about quite casually for me, since my brothers did it, so I’ve been talking about it with them and they sort of pulled me in that direction. Especially Urbano’s experience [in 2023], I remember following it a lot, day by day, and his description of a once in a lifetime experience really excited me.
He told me about his amazing time. It’s definitely challenging to spend all these hours in the car and the nights are not like a 5-star hotel. It’s a whole experience. I’ve also met two guys, Lorenzo Traglio and Filippo Colnaghi, and it’s been very helpful with practical advice on everything, even trivial things like what to pack, because I’m fairly new in this world.
I have done the Mille Miglia quite a few times but it’s like a game compared to the Dakar. Some of the challenges are similar but the journey is different, the car is different, the terrain is different… So, I’m happy to do it and I’ll try to give it my best. And if a good result comes, I’ll welcome it.”
M.B.: “I return to Saudi Arabia for a third participation but I expect new surprises. Every year is a different adventure. The first year, I was in a women’s crew with Valentina Casella. Last year I raced with a truck. And now I’m with Francesco, who I met in Tunisia. We immediately had a very good feeling.
As a navigator, my role is as important as the driver’s and we merge as one. Francesco and I both bring our experience and skills in order to achieve the same goal.
I’ve been a navigator since 1991 and my first races were off road, in Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates… My heart beats for off-road events. But my real passion is the Dakar and I hope I can do many more.”
