Dakar, the ultimate test of man and machine against the forces of nature offers new challenges each year and preparations at KTM—a company that sees rally sport and the "Big Adventure" as an integral part of what it stands for—are now in full swing for the 2006 event.
In 2006, four factory teams will been on the starting line for the Austrian company that has registered five consecutive wins in this desert classic:
• GAULOISES KTM with Cyril Despres, Isidre Esteve, Michel Gau and David Casteu
• REPSOL KTM with Marc Coma, Carlo de Gavardo, Giovanni Sala
• REPSOL KTM JUNIOR with Jordi Duran, Jordi Viladoms
• RED BULL KTM USA with Chris Blais and Andy GriderBut as tough as the challenge of the race may be, the teams will only be as good as the support network that follows them in their quest to conquer the desert. It is also an exercise in mind blowing logistics and precise planning to ensure that every rider is equipped, maintained, kept safe and supported for the duration of the race. For KTM that means no less than a crew of 60 support staff with seven Jeeps and seven MAN Trucks to follow the race.
Logistical challenges
The mountain of equipment to be transported includes 15,000 kg maintenance material, 6,000 kg spare parts, 1,800 kg luggage for riders and mechanics, including tents and sleeping bags, replacement material for the race- and transport vehicles and accompanying Jeeps, electric generators, welding units, tool kits and complete independent repair and service facilities. In addition, as a contingency plan in the event of transport being delayed or disabled, another 2 tons of selected spare parts are also air freighted. In total, KTM will be transporting between 36-38 tons of equipment and supplies.
The KTM Dakar Machine will be underway with 3 x 3 axle and 2 x 2 axle all wheel drive trucks with a maximum cross country capacity as well as 2 x 3 axle all wheel drive race trucks and six Nissan Patrol all wheel vehicles, each carrying enough spare parts so that service work can begin in the event of the late arrival of a truck.
In addition, all service vehicles must adhere to the race regulation's strict safety standards with roll bars, bucket seats, four point safety belts, additional tanks for a reach of 1000km, fire extinguishers and emergency equipment such as satellite phones and state-of-the-art navigation equipment. All KTM vehicles for the Dakar rally feature specially modified chassis to ensure they can handle the additional loads and the rigorous journey they must undertake.
Rule amendments emphasize safety
KTM places the utmost emphasis on safety and following incidents last year, a security plan has now been worked out with the organizers, including a number of points introduced at KTM's request. A 150km/h speed limit will now apply and riders' neck guards will also be available from the organizers. Shorter tank stops, reduced from 350 km to 250 km, are also to be introduced. The move is designed to counter the fact that a rider, after making a rest and refueling stop can suffer a short term lapse of concentration while having to readjust to the heavier weight of a fully tanked machine and may overlook potentially dangerous obstacles. In addition, mechanics may no longer bypass certain sections of the course by flying from point to point and mustcope with the same conditions as the riders themselves.
KTM, with its distinguished record of wins in the Dakar race expects its teams to continue the tradition of excellence. In order to give them the best possible prospects to succeed, nothing is left to chance. Under the KTM motto "Ready to Race", the company therefore applies as much dedication to the precise logistical planning for the Dakar Rally as it does to the design and manufacture of its machines.
KTM Rally Boss Hans Trunkenpolz Speaking
KTM has worked out a safety concept together with the promoters, what does this concept contain?
Hans Trunkenpolz: Due to the heavy accidents at the Pharaons Rallye 2004 and the Dakar 2005, many ideas were put forward over how rallies can be made safer. After several discussions these points, which can also be implemented in the hard conditions in Africa were defined.
• Reduction of the tank stop distances.
• Development and usage of neck protection systems and protectors.
• Speed limit on demand of the promoter.
What are the effects of the shorter distances between the tank stops?
Hans Trunkenpolz: The maximum distance between the tank stops has been reduced from 350 km to 250 km. This means a decrease of 16—18 litres of fuel on board that leads to a weight reduction of at least 16 kg.
This is explained as follows: A rider starts with a full tank and notices that the handling of the bike gets better with the decreasing fuel mass, and he is able to ride a lot faster short before approaching the tank stop.
The tank stop takes 15 minutes, which can be used as a recovery time for the rider and the machine, and also to evaluate the rider's position compared to his competitors.
If there is the need to ride on with full speed to uphold the position, the biggest danger comes from the rider underestimating the weight increase from the refuelling. This means that on simple tracks serious crashes cant be ruled out, even with the lower distance of 250 km it is a big threat but 16 kg less weight mean 30% more safety.
When riding in a rally, is the individual performance of the rider only relevant?
Hans Trunkenpolz: An overall victory at the Dakar means more than just the top performance of the rider. An important factor is the team behind from the mechanic up to the team manager everybody has to work hard. Our support crew consists of more than 40 people separated on seven trucks and six AWD vehicles, which accompany the rally.
After having finished the stage distance with the support vehicle, the crew starts to set up the camp and begins with the preparations of the bikes for the next day.
This shows the importance of a strong team behind the rider. A strong rider can only win with a strong team. With 5 consecutive Dakar victories it is clear that KTM has one of the strongest teams in field.
What are the reasons that KTM supports a Junior Team for the first time in 2006?
Hans Trunkenpolz: The spectacular success of Pedrosa, Elias and other young talents in the Moto GP 125 and 250 classes shows that an early integration of them in professional sponsor teams quickly leads to good performances. All our Junior activities together with Red Bull where successful and it is part of the KTM history to build up young talents for the sport. Riders in the Junior Team can easily find their way to the top without having any pressure to succeed. But even without this pressure Top 12 positions are expected.
Which part do sponsors play for the KTM factory appearance?
Hans Trunkenpolz: Good communication with the main sponsors only results from a long-term cooperation. Each of the partners has to play their own roll.
KTM has the job to develop competitive material, engage top riders and finally to win. The whole package makes it interesting to enter.
A sponsor supports the entire development of the factory team and therefore gets ongoing media coverage of their brand. The huge Motorsport program from KTM could not be managed without strong partners.
This assumes mutual confidence, which can only be reached on both sides through success.
Which rank does Customer Racing have for KTM?
Hans Trunkenpolz: A real high rank! The worldwide success of KTM is based on the fact, that new developments used by the factory teams are deployed in series products within the next two seasons.
KTM is the only motorcycle manufacturer that produces the successful rally bikes in small numbers for the private rider "ready to race".
Our customers appreciate the assistance of the customer support team, its spare parts supply, the available technical assistance and help even in hopeless situations.