The 33rd edition of the most famous rally raid was off with a roar on 1st January 2011 from Buenos Aires. With an increase in participation of nearly 20% over 2010, there are 430 vehicles jostling for the lead between Argentina and Chile to take victory in each of the categories. Among the vehicles, no less than seven teams supported technically by Motul are tackling the tracks of this 2011 edition which, with 13 stages, in other words a total of 9500 km, is confirming once more this year its status as a legendary event.
On the eve of the eighth stage, among the Motul teams, the Japanese crew Toyota Auto Body is the best placed for the moment. In effect, at the wheel of their Toyota Land Cruiser VDJ 200, Jun Mitsuhashi and Alain le Guehennec are currently leading the overall rankings of the T2 category. By participating in the event with, as their sole fuel, frying oils collected from various Japanese catering establishments, this team could also clinch the first Dakar Alternative Energies Challenge prize, in addition to a class victory.
Photo : Thierry Bethys - Team association enfance et lumière - 450 CRFX Honda © Team association enfance et lumière
