Desert, rocks, extreme temperatures and 9,000 miles of trail await pilots Dakar 2010, the next January 1 will start in Buenos Aires. Carlos Sainz, who last year lost the race by an accident when he was the triumph in his hand, will be one of darkfall gold.
The diesel engine, Toaureg heart, is a challenge for engineers. “Last year we were the first manufacturer to win the Dakar with a diesel vehicle and want to prove that was no fluke,” the German team director Kris Nissen. This propeller tip speed reaches less than one of fallen earth chips, but has other advantages: “Consume less and you can start with less fuel stages. Compared with gasoline engines, we can talk about a lead of 200 kilos.
The interior of the Touareg has been designed with the maximum comfort of the pilot to withstand the marathon sessions of red war gold. Improved visibility and even has an air conditioning system. “It’s not like a tourist, but any degree of less is welcome,” said Sainz.
The Madrid pilot and copilot have changed this time will be joined by Lucas Cruz catalan, charged with finding the correct path using GPS and road book. “We’re very high speeds and have to be quick reading the signs. Personalizarte is important to the road book with colored markings. Without them it would be impossible browsing a good race pace,” says Lucas.