Schumacher`s long-term physiotherapist dares the switch to the desertThe squad for the toughest rally on our planet is complete, now: Balbir Singh, long-term physiotherapist of seven-time Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher, will join Ellen Lohr and the Kwikpower Mercedes-Benz Team for the 2006 Dakar Rally – for the entire 16 days. “It`s an adventure you just have to take part in,” said the native Indian. Ellen Lohr was just enthusiastic when it came to the team`s newest asset: “There isn`t a better one than Balbir Singh,” she said, “I`m truly delighted that the man with the healing hands is going to join us as our physiotherapist for the Dakar Rally. Yet, you have to admit that he will have to cope with a kind of a cultural shock: from the Formula One Paddock Club to the one-man tents in the desert.”

At the end of this year`s Formula One season, the physiotherapist terminated his ten-year cooperation with Michael Schumacher. “We`re still very good friends but I wanted to settle down a little bit,” revealed Singh, who is going to continue his professional career – apart from the Dakar adventure – mainly in Germany . Together with Guido Bierther, managing Director of the team`s partner, Airnergy, Balbir Singh purchased a church in Hennef near Bonn . This church is supposed to be turned into a worldwide unique feel-good and wellness temple, before 2006 is over. “The negotiations with outfitters and sponsors are already running flat out,” said Bierther.

The only five years old company Airnergy is highly successful with a new breathing/energy therapy that is highly popular in the fitness and beauty world, thanks to its effects, and is also appreciated by many medics. Balbir Singh, who has been a supporter of this therapy for many years, is active as Airnergy brand ambassador, with sportsmen in many areas, multi-mile drivers and people in exhausting professions representing a major part of the main clientele. Airnergy users benefit by improved effectiveness and concentration as the therapy helps the body to better utilise the oxygen contained in the air.

Major and well-known hotels – such as Dubai `s famous Burj Al Arab – also offer their guests Airnergy. Close to the world`s only seven-star hotel, Ellen Lohr and her co-pilot, Detlef Ruf, will start this Wednesday, 09 th November, into the maiden competition of the new Kwikpower Mercedes-Benz Team, with their rally prototype Mercedes ML 350 Evo II. The finale of the Marathon World Cup is regarded as final test for the Dakar Rally.

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