The F5 Bivouac (rallye raid news) and W2RC - World cross country rally championship

I still think it will be in South America next year and then it will move to........

Moscow ~ Bejing

Linc

Yeah the China connection sometime not too far into the future makes a lot of sense

Again a lot of commercial dollars to be made by Chinese companies increasing global exposure and seeking credibility, its already happening in trickles, couple of more years it will be a flood, bit like the Japanese at Dakar in the '80's when the home economy was booming.

The big determiner will be the domestic political stability at the regional level where the event could take place.

Yep.....but I think if it came down to local political stability the Chineese government would just make it stable if you get my drift.

This thread may have some info for you: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=428767&highlight=roadbook+motor

Well looks like we have our answer! I for you one agree ! Anyone who has done both have comparisions?

Good news about Luca and rumors about Despres leaving KTM at
http://amadlozi.blogspot.com/2010/02/luca-manca-va-de-mieux-en-mieux.html

From the Dakar thread:

The German version of marathonrally.com has more rumors about the 2011 Dakar:

Supposedly Chile is ready to pay ASO 7 million $ and Argentina 4 million $. Because many participants are pushing for a return to African soil, ASO might think about removing the entry fee to get a full playing field again...

Oh, the drama of the silly season!

Martin Freinademetz' Dakar video:


http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=104332676255033&ref=nf

oser oser oser oser oser oser oser

they need to stay off the nitrous oxide !!

http://en.mercopress.com/2010/01/21/german-company-wants-dakar-rally-to-stay-in-south-america


German company wants Dakar Rally to stay in South America

Winners Volkswagen wants the Dakar Rally to stay in South America and not to move back to Africa, the spokesman of the carmaker's motor-sport division said late Wednesday. Spokesman Stefan Moser raved about large and enthusiastic crowds at the two editions in Chile and Argentina and named security another aspect in favour of South America.

”You could drive through Germany and throw 100-euros bills out of the window. But you still wouldn't see such enthusiastic fans as here (in South America). It is just nicer to drive past happy people,“ Moser said.
”We had to change five windscreens at the last Dakar in Africa (2007) because stones were thrown at the cars.“

The Dakar was held in Africa in the past but moved to South America in 2009 for security reasons after been cancelled in 2008 due to terrorist threats.

Dakar boss Etienne Lavigne said on the weekend that ”there is a desire to go back to Africa,” with a final decision of the Dakar board expected by the end of February. The recent attack on the Togo football team in Angola ahead of the African Cup of Nations could, however, lead to new safety concerns.

VW have won both editions in South America and swept the podium in the latest edition which ended on Sunday. Carlos Sainz of Spain won from Qatar's Nasser Al-Attiyah and Mark Miller of the US.

Moser said the tracks were as interesting in South America as they were in Africa, but did also not hide the fact that the region is an important market for the German carmaker. VW has major plants in Brazil and Argentina.

Howdy folks, nice to see so many of you I shared cyberspace with for the Dakar. Sorry to interrupt, back to the regular programming.

cant find ANY info about Despres goin back to BMW

Me neither, I am also on a frecnh list serve and one of the guy was saying that actually Despres and Coma signed up with KTM again and that KTM was working on a 450...

Luca was on a lot of hardcore drugs for a while...

I tried to confirm it, but I still don't know. I can say the info came from Luca, who probably has other things on his plate now.

dont want to bad mouth the man, but is luca running interference for coma.

Coma and Despres next year for the Dakar 2011 on 450 KTM !!!
On other FIM races again on the 690 KTM !!!

if true... wondering if they are making the RFS 450 more reliable and adding tanks or breaking out the 05 400 (660) rallye.. probably the former .. wonder also if Coma has a "no cheat" clause?? No word on him and tyregate... guess he did the deed huh?

Is this true?

I saw Gagnaou said that Luca knew that Despres had left KTM for BMW when speaking of Luca's health.

Is this just a rumor or fact?

Inquiring minds would like to know.

I did quick search on net and nothing came up and now I have to run.

Big news in my opinion.


Any info from those that are connected and would know this kind of things would be greatly appreciated.

Grazie!