The Dakar: to motorsport fans just the name is enough to induce goosebumps. The event is an annual Rally Raid that sees competitors on motorbikes, ATVs, in conventional rally cars and crazy dune buggies that resemble remote control cars blown up to real size, and even vast incongruous trucks take on the toughest and most varied conditions of any motorsport event in the world.
Too often these days we use the word ‘epic’ but in the Dakar’s case it barely seems an adequate description. The 2015 event crossed the Andes reaching peaks of nearly 5000-metres, surged through the vast dunes and desolation of the Atacama desert and the alien salt flats of Uyuni and over 13 days covered more than 5500-miles.
Back after 24 years
The 2015 Dakar was also notable as it saw Honda return to the motorcycle class after an absence of 24 years. Back in the late 1980s, Honda dominated the Paris-Dakar as it was then, winning four consecutive races from 1986 to 1989. The rally changed its traditional route from Paris to Dakar after security concerns and the cancellation of the event in 2008. Now it takes in Argentina, Bolivia and Chile in South America… but the challenges remain unparalleled. And it’s that challenge that attracted Honda back. To test its machines against the best competitors and the most extraordinary landscape.
Team HRC brought five riders and five of its CRF450 Rally to attempt to re-conquer the Dakar and left with the most stage victories of any manufacturer and a triumphant but agonising 2nd place on the podium. Riders Joan ‘Bang Bang’ Barreda, Paulo Goncalves, Helder Rodriques, Jeremias Israel and Laia Sanz faced the terrain and at times perilous weather with skill and bravery.
Proof of talent and engineering
Barreda led for much of the rally but was undone by an electrical issue after organisers ignored the pleas of competitors and ran across the Uyuni salt flats despite a deluge of rain. The sheer volume of water left the marathon stage resembling a bog, with riders and drivers stranded in deep mud all over the route. Goncalves managed to take over the Honda Challenge and finished in an incredible 2nd place in the Motorcycle class. Laia Sanz made history as the highest place female rider ever with a courageous 9th place.
So the Dakar for 2015 was bittersweet… a case of what might have been, but also proof that Team HRC has the talent and the machinery to win again. As HRC President Yoshishige Nomura says, ‘I’m really proud of their professional work… our challenge at the Dakar continues.’ In other words, see you next year. In the meantime, check out our video, which gives just a taste of this incredible event and the skill, bravery and dedication of all those who compete, support and organise the greatest show on earth.
