Confirming the importance of the SWR in the international calendar, Frenchman Jean-Louis Schlesser will compete in the 2012 edition! The two-time winner of the Dakar and four-time winner of the Africa Race is both a driver and constructor and he is aiming for victory in the two-wheel drive category, but he is also not hiding from his ambition of an overall top three result.
«I must say that I can’t wait to return to Russia, because I really like this country that I got to know over the many Master Rallies I competed in… I know that the 2012 SWR will be a fantastic event », says Schlesser. “First off, because one thing is a constant: the Russians are very good when it comes to organising! I know that everything will be perfect in this regard….also, because I really like driving in the steppes and on the fast tracks that are a little bit broken up with a long succession of bends. I am sure I will have a tremendous time behind the wheel, especially with the buggy that I won the 2011 Pharaohs Rally with, which is ideal for this type of terrain. …As the rules are very similar to those of the Africa Race, I know that from a sporting point of view, I will have a good chance.”
«More than anything else, I am going for the win in the two-wheel category, which is always very competitive and remains a mighty challenge”, concludes the driver that has 15 World Cups, overall and two-wheel drive as well as two world sports car titles to his credit. “As for the overall win, it will depend on the field, but, of course, I am aiming as high as possible…to finish on the podium would be good!”
