Dakar 2018: it is an open challenge between at least four manufacturers

Dakar 2018 – There is very little left until the start of the most famous and fascinating raid in the world, the Dakar Rally. Cars, motorbikes and trucks will compete starting from January 6th in 15 days of racing practically non-stop, crossing some of the most spectacular and at the same time extreme scenarios in South America. It will be a motorsport challenge, in the broadest sense of the term, with many teams determined to excel also to have favorable repercussions on the market.

The team KTM he will present himself with many arrows to his bow. As Toby Price, winner in 2016, but the Australian spent most of the year recovering from the fractured femur he suffered during the fourth special stage last January. OR Sam sunderland who stated: "There are at least ten drivers capable of winning the Dakar“. The KTM team remains favorites and the Austrian manufacturer is aiming for a 17th consecutive success. Also worth keeping an eye on are Matthias Walkner, second in 2017, and winner of the Morocco Rally, and Antoine Méo, fourth.

Honda relaunches the challenge with a strong four-pronged squadron and a water bearer. With a list of 19 special stage victories, Joan Barreda he is certainly the fastest driver, although perhaps not the smoothest. Second in 2015, Paulo Goncalves he is a solid rider and Honda could focus on his consistency. Forced to pay forfeit due to accident in 2017, Kevin Benavidez he prepared well for the event, as demonstrated by his 2nd place in Morocco.

Often on the podium, Yamaha look for the high note. David Fretigné (2009) Helder Rodrigues (2011 and 2012) and Olivier Pain (2014) wrote the history of Yamaha, the present sees the hopes placed in Adrien van Beveren (fourth in 2017), Frank Caimi (eighth), last year's best rookie, and Xavier the Soul Trait, winner of the Merzouga Rally.

As in 2016, he was the most consistent driver of the season Paul Quintanilla, which he will run again for Husqvarna. If we also count Sam Sunderland, the possible candidates for the title rise to 11.

Among the Italians, he is certainly the most expert pilot Alessandro Botturi su Yamaha . After three years as an officer, the Bottu will still be able to count on the support of Yamaha Europe, but is placed in a private structure. “I'm happy with this new adventure” – declared Alessandro -. I will still be able to count on Yamaha, but in the Garda Bikers team that we created with our friends Livio Metelli and Alberto Bertoldi. I won't have any pressure and this will allow me to face the race at my best. I want to do an intelligent race and I'm sure I can do well”. As for what is new, there are new faces that are destined to be talked about Jacopo Cerutti (Husqvarna), new Italian Motorally Champion and with two Dakars behind him and Alexander Rouso (KTM), starting after 38th place in 2017 on debut. Among the rookies, one to keep an eye on Maurizio gerini, at the start together with Fausto Vignola Team Solaris of Castiglion Fiorentino. The Arezzo player will also be making his debut Gabriel Minelli.

"Original"of Motul recall the pioneers There are men whose destiny lies in a chest full of a careful selection of work tools, clothes for the entire rally and a few spare parts. They are the ones who choose to race the Dakar without the support of assistance. This year there are 28 drivers registered in this extreme category which bears the name "Original by Motul" since Motul became the official sponsor. A race within a race, Olivier Pain launches into the 10th Dakar in search of the coveted trophy, but the former official Yamaha rider will have to face new difficulties and new rivals, some of whom are experts in this category.