JANUARY 6 th 17 th #Dakar2019
PRESS KIT
DREAM. DARE. LIVE IT.
OUTSTANDING
The Dakar rally has had a near magical way of demonstrating the exceptional for a long time. Each year, the drivers and their teams face an extraordinary challenge, combining varied, extreme difficulties. For the 2019 event, the traditional set-up has once again been overhauled, and is sure to be one of the most challenging programmes we have ever seen. Continuing its Peruvian adventure, the Dakar rally is offering a dense set of obstacles and promises to be a new kind of epic - comparable to the monohulls of the Vendée Globe taking part in a 10-day regatta in the roaring forties. The brave individuals who have already experienced the Peruvian sands have made no mistake, and will once again form the biggest bivouac camp in the world of cross country, near to Pisco and Arequipa in particular, after leaving Lima on 7 January. The intense challenge they face will push them to their limits in getting over dunes, navigation and physical strength: in the dunes, one kilometre is equivalent to two or even three kilometres elsewhere.
Étienne LAVIGNE Dakar Rally Director
1 DAKAR IN THE LAND OF THE INCAS
Peru is the third largest country in South America, with a surface area the size of France, Spain and Portugal combined.
There is not a traveller who does not succumb to the charms of Peru. Machu Picchu, a national emblem and majestic remnant of the Inca times, draws in many tourists. The mysterious Nazca lines also attract a lot of attention. Due to Peru’s geographical layout, visitors to the country can enjoy a seaside holiday on the Pacific coast as well as mountain expeditions in the Andes or strolls along the shores of Lake Titicaca. But for Dakar drivers and rally enthusiasts, it was the desert expanses of the Ica region that proved to be a revelation.
In 2012 and 2013, the competitors, including the most senior members, were astounded by the race, with conditions as demanding as those of the Sahara. Then, in 2018, a longer exploration threw up a huge challenge right from the very first week. Famous champions such as Sébastien Loeb and Joan "Nani" Roma were minded of the importance of modesty the hard way, but will come to Dakar 100 % Peru, this time to seek the blessing of "Pachamama", the name given to Mother Earth by the indigenous peoples who first inhabited the country. Motto: Firm and Happy for the Union Capital: Lima Population: 32.3 million inhabitants Surface area: 1,285,315 km2 Currency: Nuevo sol
2 OUR PILOTS ON PERU
Peru is one of the best countries for the Dakar rally. It has plenty to offer as the stages are demanding and there is a lot of sand. This year I think it will be tough and we will have trouble navigating. Nobody's quite sure what to expect. Laia SANZ (Motorbike) There will be a lot of dunes, which is not technically my strength, but that's also why we're taking part. This unique adventure is really tempting! Sébastien LOEB (Car) The Peruvian dunes are the most technical in the world! Luis EGUIGUREN (Car) I am coming back to the Dakar rally for the Peruvian dunes. I was impressed with what I saw last time. I expect a very hard rally and a fierce battle. I can't wait to start! Gerard DE ROOY (Truck) THE FLAG-BEARERS... Nicolas FUCHS (car) I love sand. Peru has incredible landscapes, 12th in 2017 it is truly spectacular. The dunes are totally unique; it is always a challenge. Carlo VELLUTINO (motorbike) th Nasser AL ATTIYAH (Car) 10 participation in 2019 Emilio CHOY (quad) I love all the dunes in Peru. 1st participation in 2019, I hope it will be hard to navigate 3rd in Desafio Inca in 2018 and I will get lost to find myself. Adrien VAN BEVEREN (Motorbike) Fernando FERRAND MALATESTA & Fernando FERRAND DEL BUSTO (car) 8 Dakar, all completed (between 2010 and 2018) Alexis HERNANDEZ (quad) 7 Dakar, 6th in 2018
3 JANUARY th th 6 17 COLOMBIA #Dakar2019
ECUADOR