Dutch René Kuipers will join the “Eurol Veka MAN” Team in the Dakar Rally 2014. The rally driver from Twente surprised last Dakar with a ninth place in the standings, as the best debutant in a truck. “We are pleased with the arrival of René. In the last Dakar he has shown his capability” says team owner Peter Versluis.
The Dutch MAN-team was successful in this year´s Dakar Rally, in which Marcel van Vliet and especially Peter Versluis were driving in front constantly. The highlight was the stage victory of Peter Versluis in the final stage. With a seventh place (Peter) and eighth position (Marcel) in the general classification the team confirmed their position as a leading Dakar team.
“With the participation of René Kuipers we gain strength in breadth,” says Peter Versluis. “I like to drive offensive, Marcel is experienced and sophisticated and with René we add a strong all-rounder to our team. Rene is also a real team player and a nice person” added Versluis.
Immediately after the last Dakar, René Kuipers knew that his successful debut in the truck had to be continued. “The Dakar virus has finally infected me,” laughs René Kuipers, which again has the support of FERM Power Tools. “After looking at all the options I chose Peter Versluis and his team. I’ll join a highly professional but friendly team. The MAN is also been able to win stages.”
In preparation for the upcoming Dakar Rally (5 to 18 January 2014), the team is starting at the “Silk Way Rally” in Russia from 6 to 13 July. “I think it’s a nice challenge to contribute to the development of the new truck” said René Kuipers.