Motul has long been involved with the Dakar Rally and during the recent event press conference in Paris on 22nd March, its involvement was raised to the next level with confirmation that it was named official lubricant partner to the event, which celebrates its 40th edition in 2018.
Motul Announces Major Partnership with Dakar Rally
Through its partnerships, Motul achieved 2017 success with factory teams in two categories: T2 with Toyota Auto Body and SSV with Polaris Xtremeplus. These successes add to the long roll call of Dakar victories, the highlight being the 1989 win in the Bikes category for the Honda Factory Racing team that carried Motul’s colours. This ‘enduring relationship’ with the Honda Dakar team saw Motul maintaining support for the factory squad this past January, a favourite in the bike category.
Motul has worked for several weeks with the ASO team to finalise its 360° activation plan for the Dakar, beginning with the 2018 edition. It said the plan would be unveiled in several months’ time and would contain a strong focus on the numerous Dakar fans as well as its competitors. The latter was said to benefit from the use of Motul’s Motorsport Line (cars) and Factory Line (motorcycles) product ranges, which included 300V, ‘the engine oil with proven performance and reliability specially developed for the extremes of motor sport competition’.
During the event itself, competitors would be able to count on the advice and expertise of Motul’s Motorsport Technical Team that usually works in MotoGP, WSBK and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. For the Dakar, Motul said they would be present at every bivouac.
“Motul has been involved for several decades in the most extreme forms of competitive motor sport, particularly in endurance racing. From the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Tourist Trophy on the Isle of Man, the Roof of Africa in Lesotho and the Carrera Panamericana in Mexico, what could be more natural for Motul than a direct link with the Dakar?” said Motul Head of Communication Hélène Zaugg.
“A fabled event since 1979, universally recognised as the ultimate test for men and machines, there is no doubt that the Dakar would be a tremendous showcase for the quality of our products that are now available in more than 160 countries, including Latin America. Together with the ASO and competitors, the men and women of the Motul group are ready to make their mark on the next chapter of the incredible Dakar story,” he added.
Punishing terrains, extreme climate and endurance conditions, stages covering 9,000km over 13 days in front of 4.6 million spectators, 1,200 hours of TV coverage across 190 countries, hundreds of competitors from all over the world, cars, bikes, quads and trucks. The Dakar Rally is known to all as the toughest of motor sport events, and for a very good reason.
