Husqvarna Motorcycles are proud to confirm their official rider line-up for the 2018 Dakar Rally. Following an impressive season, FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Champion Pablo Quintanilla will be joined by Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team partner Andrew Short, with the duo set to tackle the two-week-long adventure aboard the all-new FR 450 Rally.
Making history for Husqvarna Motorcycles by successfully defending his Rallies World Championship title at the series finale in Morocco, Pablo Quintanilla will be launching an attack for the top step of the podium at the next edition of the Dakar Rally, in January. Less than 50 days before the start of the big event in Lima, Peru, the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rally star is confident of a strong performance in the dunes and endless offroad trails of South America.
Enjoying a steady debut aboard the FR 450 Rally at the final round of the 2017 FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship in Morocco, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Andrew Short is all-set for his first Dakar. Enjoying several busy months of testing and training, the acclaimed US racer will be a strong asset for the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team this January. Focused on gathering further rally experience Andrew will be looking for a strong and mistake-free performance all the way to the finish line in Córdoba, Argentina.
Competing as teammate to Pablo Quintanilla during 2017, Frenchman Pela Renet continues to make progress as he recovers from the injuries sustained during the Atacama Rally in August. Requiring surgery on his neck and left shoulder, two-time Enduro World Champion Renet is focused on making the best recovery possible.
Taking place on January 6 to 20 in Peru, Bolivia and Argentina, the 2018 Dakar Rally will be a special event for many reasons. Including more than 5.000km of timed specials and with a total distance of almost 9.000km to be run by all competitors, it will be the 40th edition of the prestigious annual event and the 10th time the race takes place in South America. To make things ever more interesting race organisers have included an impressive seven 100% offroad stages to be contested in the massive dunes and offroad sections of the three South American countries.