Ducati: Beppe Gualini and the legendary Paris-Dakar [VIDEO]

The first adventure of Beppe Gualini to the Paris-Dakar It dates back to 1982. DRE Enduro technical director remembers it in a film proposed by Ducati, linked to the cycle Ducati Coffee.

Skill challenge and hot desert

Beppe Gualini he faced it for the first time, as he says, when the competition was not yet so well known. He remembers his first experience on African soil riding a two-stroke 125, in the first edition of the Rally of the Pharaohs, the second African competition after the legendary Dakar. Gualini achieved a great success in the category, finishing 25th overall with that specimen. A notable response reported by the media, being his first participation. Since then an interesting sporting career and a special bond with the Paris-Dakar.
Not just a competition, as Gualini recalls, but “a real adventure, an incredible life experience”. The first editions were just under 20.000 km of distance, spread over 22 days and without a day's rest or assistance. Solidarity emerged among the participants, for example leaving water for the pilots they met in the desert. Today several things have changed, also considering new technologies and advanced travel systems.
Beppe Gualini also introduces the historian in the film Cagiva Ducati Elefant 750, on which he faced the challenge of the Dakar in 1985. The name Elefant itself has become legendary, recalling the various participations in the African raid. The history of this model dates back to 1984, when Ducati was purchased by the Castiglioni brothers, Cagiva, a company that developed small displacement engines. iThe largest of which was a 350cc four-stroke unit. The Elefant features a frame developed by Cagiva and a Ducati 750 cc twin-cylinder heart. The one shown in the video is one of the first prototypes, also driven by the driver Hubert Auriol in 1984.
Ducati developed the engine and the African races were interesting testing venues, refining important aspects such as reliability. So two prestigious successes have come, several podiums and other successes in other competitions.
An engine is therefore highlighted twin-cylinder Ducati Testastretta 750 capable of delivering an estimated power of 75 horses. At the front there is a 21-inch wheel, while the rear one is 18 inches, as highlighted again on the occasion. Kick start and solutions for carrying tools. On the prototype mentioned a first tank that can contain 35 liters of fuel, which is combined with a second 15 liter tank. In the more powerful 900 evolved model the overall capacity was greater, reaching a total of 60 litres.
During the film, other interesting information also emerges for exploration enthusiasts, retracing atmospheres that make the historic Dakar legendary.

Video: Ducati
Opening image taken from the movie