Repsol presented its teams for the Dakar
Repsol YPF presented its official teams for the 2006 Dakar Rally today, in Madrid. A powerful representation made up by the four drivers of the Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart Team Stéphane Peterhansel, Hiroshi Masuoka, Luc Alphand and Nani Roma, as well as the three from the Repsol KTM Team: Marc Coma, Giovanni Sala, Carlo de Gavardo, and finally two from the Junior Team: Jordi Durán and Jordi Viladoms. The race that is due to begin 1 January in Lisbon will make possible a double challenge, in particular a very demanding challenge, like looking for victory in both categories.

High level Technological collaboration
During the last years the teams sponsored by Repsol YPF have been able to count on cooperation from the Repsol YPF Technology Centre, a result of this is the victories achieved by the Repsol KTM Team. During 2005 the teamwork at a high level between Repsol YPF and Mitsubishi have allowed the Spanish oil company to develop a new range of "made to measure" products and exclusively for the Japanese manufacturer: a new range of lubricants, and different evolutions of petrol for use under high temperature conditions, for cars that have to face extreme conditions in the desert dunes. These products have been evaluated in the Mitsubishi facilities in Japan, in World Rally Raid Championship tests.

Already Repsol YPF have won with motorbikes in 2004 and cars in 2005, and the strength and experience of its teams is a guarantee that permits year after year a renewal to face challenges to be conquered. The year 2005 which is now coming to an end has been an especially important year. The customary participation in Dakar with motorbikes, Repsol YPF was also present with a squad of five cars that resulted from an agreement reached with Mitsubishi Motor Sports. When reflecting the months that have passed, the results are very satisfactory. Stéphane Peterhansel won in Dakar and Dubai, Luc Alphand in Tunis and Portugal, and Nani Roma in Baja Aragón.

These victories, and the hard work of a whole year, guarantees that Mitsubishi with Repsol colours, will once again be leading characters, this being mainly due to their outstanding riders, and the work and dedication of Dominique Serieys, Team Manager, with continuous support from Isao Torii, President of Mitsubishi Motor Sports.

Repsol YPF aspires to fight for victory with cars, and of course, with motorbikes where once more the Repsol KTM team will be one of the favourites. However, this year the team has something that was missing, a champion. The company has one of the best records in world competition. During more than thirty years it has achieved victories and titles in nearly all specialties, but a World Raid Champion was missing. Marc Coma is the team leader, and a few weeks ago has demonstrated more than ever his capacity by winning in Dubai a well deserved World Championship. He is one of the big favourites to win in Dakar. And this is not just due to his riding, but also to his colleagues. Giovanni Sala and Carlo de Gavardo will always be on hand. And when they reach their goal the Team Manager, Jordi Arcarons, will be waiting, to improve day by day the level and the effectiveness of a brilliant and very professional team that has always received maximum support from KTM and, Heinz Kinigadner the person responsible for Competition.

The Junior Team will also call the attention of the fans. At the wheel of Coma, Sala and de Gavardo, Jordi Durán and Jordi Viladoms will continue with their apprenticeship in Raids. Last year Durán suffered a serious accident, but he is back in shape. In the last races he has had a magnificent partnership with Marc Coma and his help will be highly valued in Dakar. He will be accompanying Jordi Viladoms, who will be leaving the Motocross tracks and make his debut in Raids with the highest expectations.

Caring Dakar. Uniting a humanitarian action with a sports project
In Dakar 2006, an important initiative that has the Repsol riders and teams collaboration. Managed by Dr. Xavier Mir, from the Fundación Dakar Solidario which is under the auspice of Repsol YPF, will carry out humanitarian work of special relevance taking advantage of the logistical infrastructure set in motion by the racing organization. Different hospitals in Mauritania will receive medical help in form of instruments, vaccinations and all types of medicine and medical material. This help, channelled through the Foundation and managed by various Hospitals in this country will permit the establishment of medical coverage programs for the population, and will be continued, supervised and amplified during the following years.


Tags: dakar, repsol, mitsubishi-motors, raid, offroad,