Dakar: BMW rest day Siwa report

Historical entry of X-raid Team at Dakar Rally.
Best result of a diesel engine since beginning of the event.

"We are very happy about our achievements so far", X-raid team leader Sven Quandt said gladly, "we know that our BMW X5 in the same way as our pilots and the whole team is characterised by a high capacity. The confirmation for an outstanding transformation of our good work is highly motivating the whole team."

Luc Alphand.

Photo by Gauloises Racing.

The Belgian Gregoire de Mevius, ranking 3rd after eleven out of 17 stages, succeeded in getting the best position ever of a diesel-powered vehicle in the history of the Dakar. Ex-ski world cup-winner Luc Alphand after the unlucky accident at stage five, when a rock damaged the front-wheel suspension, still drives with his whole heart and intelligence. Many times in his decision for the most suitable tyres he had to stake everything on one card and was rewarded with top-classifications. The nicest reward for all efforts, which would be winning a stage, still keeps waiting. De Mevius and Alphand nevertheless agree: "The technology of the BMW X5 is absolutely reliable, the engine power is enormous and both of us can still do better. We hope to have a nice surprise left."

After a day of rest at the Siwa oasis all teams will start for the first stage on Egyptian ground, or rather Egyptian sand. "Sea of Sand", the locals call those huge desert expanses with its impressing dunes scenery. First of all, the participants will only be on a short excursion to the "Sea of Sands", as Stage 12 will bend in the South of Siwa (total 445 km, 341 km classification stage). The day of rest, the curve and another bivouac at Siwa give all spectators plenty of opportunity for a live experience of the impressing atmosphere of the Dakar Rally.

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