First place not the only winner on the Desafio Ruta 40

From 15th to 22nd June, a race within the race will take place for the riders and drivers who have entered the Dakar Challenge. In each category, a place is up for grabs on the Dakar: a passport to glory.

The first event of the 2013 season Dakar Series pits top class riders and drivers against each other. In the bike category, there is likely to be an intense battle between the KTMs of Coma and Chaleco, the Hondas ridden by Rodrigues, Gonçalves and Pizzolito, as well as David Casteu on a Yamaha. In the car race, the dance should be led by Nani Roma and Orlando Terranova, with first-rate outsiders ready to seize the slightest opportunity to shine. Nobody knows just yet, amongst this avalanche of talent, at what level will be found the competitors in the Dakar Challenge, a race within the race reserved for the less experienced and which will enable the winner in each category to win his registration for the next Dakar. What is already known for this prestigious contest that leads all the way to Rosario is that the competition will also be tough: 25 bikes, 18 quads and 8 cars will be lining up to tackle eight days of racing through the north west of Argentina. Last year, this event used by many to test themselves for the future was particularly decisive for Jeremias Israel Esquerre. Rewarded for his performance on the Desafio Litoral with direct access to the Dakar, the young Chilean went on to spend most of the rally in the Top 10, before finishing in 57th position. His successor on the Dakar Challenge roll of honour will be sure to have all eyes on him.

Calendar
· Dakar Challenge USA 1 : Tecate SCORE Baja 500* / Mexico / From May the 31st to June the 2nd 2013

· Desafío Ruta 40 – Dakar Series / Argentina / From June the 15th to the 22nd 2013

· Toyota Botswana 1000 Desert Race / Botswana / From June the 20th to the 23rd 2013

· Dakar Challenge USA 2: Eldorado HDRA Reno 500* / USA / From July the 12th to the 14th 2013

· Australasian Safari / Australia / From September the 20th to the 27th 2013

· Desafio Inca / Peru / From October 3rd to 6th 2013

• One general clasification mixing the clasification of these two bajas will be used after the Reno 500 and will designate the winners on each category (1 in bike and 1 in car)

More information on www.dakar.com

http://www.facebook.com/dakar

https://twitter.com/dakarofficial / #Dakar 2014