From 16th to 22nd June, the first act of the Dakar Series 2013 will take place in Argentina, with the Desafio Ruta 40. Marc Coma on his bike and Joan “Nani Roma” in the car category are already taking position…
Just a few days after registration opened, the Dakar Series event Desafio Ruta 40 did not waste any time in displaying its appeal. Just one month from the race, it already seems that the title up for grabs between San Salvador de Jujuy and San Juan will be one of the prime cuts on the menu for 2013. After missing out on the last edition of the Dakar, Marc Coma set himself the objective or renewing acquaintance with Argentina. The Catalan has clearly taken little time to get back on form, having won the two races in which he has participated since his return, in Abu Dhabi then in Qatar. A success on the Desafio Ruta 40 would consolidate his position at the head of the all-terrain rally world championship, but he will also have to deal with controlling two KTM team-mates who have also announced their participation: Francisco “Chaleco” Lopez, 3rd on the last Dakar, and American Kurt Caselli, a two times stage winner last January on his debut in the king of rally-raids. Watch this space for announcements from other competitors…
In the car category, the field should be just as impressive. Among the favourites for the race, only the X-Raid team has currently announced the squad that they will be calling upon in Argentina. Nani Roma, 4rd in the general standings and a four times stage winner on the Dakar 2013, continued his successful form with a victory several weeks ago in Abu Dhabi. To remain at the top, he will also have to tame the zeal of one of his team-mates, in the person of Argentina’s Orlando Terranova, who will be driving in front of a home crowd with also the Desafio Litoral title from last year to his name.
