Time for some bubbles
It's the finishing touches that need most care and attention. Experts in
the finest detail will be changing the decoration on a helmet or a pair
of gloves. Some of them will still be busy making decisive technical
choices. For our part, we are focused on putting everything necessary in
place to ensure every aspect of the rally runs properly. Whatever needs
to be done, it's now that everyone of us needs to do it. Before we head
for Lisbon, now is the time to savour a few special moments with family
and friends. So we wish you a week of warm celebrations. It's champagne
all round before the dunes.
Useful Information
Leatt Brace service point at every stage of le Dakar 2008!
The A.S.O., together with Leatt-Brace, is delighted to announce that
during the Dakar 2008 there shall be a Leatt Brace Service Point at every
bivouac where assistance can be provided to all competitors wearing
Leatt-Brace. In Lisbon, Leatt-Brace will be present at scrutineering
with an assistance booth to help sort out any last minute issues. After
the start, Leatt-Brace will have a service point in every bivouac. Look
out for the flags...
Interview From roads to sand
Tiago Monteiro: "It's an ultra marathon"
Tiago Monteiro, Seat's official driver in the WTCC
world championship, and former F1 driver, is making his debut in the
Dakar this year: "It's Yvan Muller's fault, he never stopped talking
to me about it the whole year, and he convinced me to take part." The
driver, who is from the Alsace, and went from ice to the sand of Dakar in
2007, was won over by his first experience next to Rene Metge. This year,
he has decided to make the challenge more difficult by racing in one of
Philippe Gache's single-seat buggies. His Portuguese team-mate in the
WTCC, who must be something of a gambling man, is also joining in the
adventure.
The roses of the sands
They make up only a minority of the Dakar participants, but are all the
more noticeable because of that. This year, 31 women will be following
the course: the biggest female contingent Dakar has seen in its 30 years.
On two wheels will be four women seeking to snatch the crown
from Ludivine Puy who knows from last year how hard-won the title comes.
We'll be following with interest the performance of the two women on
quad bikes, and in particular that of Camelia Liparoti who will make it a
point of honour to be the first woman to win the Dakar...
New Competitors' electronic milestone
In order to respond to simple, every-day needs, A.S.O. and TD Com have
decided to join forces to offer a new service to competitors in the Dakar
2008.
Available in three languages (French, English and Spanish), electronic
milestones will be available to everyone, allowing them to access the
following information easily and quickly...
-credit: aso.fr
