Dakar: Team MaxData Mercedes pre-race notes

"Glad to finally get gravel under the wheels"

Main sponsor PRAMAC host of a team cocktail for "Team MAXDATA Mercedes-Benz" Tomorrow morning, the M-Class prototype raced by Ellen Lohr, the race Unimog and the service vehicles Actros and Viano 4Matic are going to start into the 2007 Dakar Rally.

"Following all the stress of the preparation weeks and yesterday's marathon scrutineering, we all are glad to soon get gravel under the wheels of our cars," Ellen Lohr told the attendees of the team cocktail -- an event main sponsor PRAMAC had invited many guests to. "We are truly delighted that Team MAXDATA Mercedes-Benz took the time to be our guest that short before the start into the Dakar Rally," said PRAMAC Portugal Director Rui Barbosa.

Now, the countdown is running and at about 09.45, tomorrow morning, the team's first competition vehicle -- the M-Class prototype with Ellen Lohr at the wheel supported by co-driver Antonia de Roissard -- is going to roll down the starting ramp in Lisbon, with the service vehicles, the Actros 6x6 and the Viano 4Matic, hitting the road southwards at the same time. The distance of the first special stage of the 2007 Dakar Rally adds up 120 kilometres, with the first major stop being made in Portimao at the Algarve. From there, the field will cross on 7th January -- following another short special stage -- the Spanish border to reach the ferry to Africa, there.

The goal: to arrive in Senegal's capital, Dakar, on 21st January.

-credit: team maxdate mercedes