This renowned race, as fascinating as it is dangerous, returns with a looping route that starts and finishes in Argentina. The sand and dunes of Argentina and Bolivia will be the arena where the arduous, interminable odyssey plays out between January 3 and 16.
The five riders from the Honda Racing Corporation Rally team will be supported by three Laika vehicles: the semi-integrated Ecovip 309 with Fiat Ducato mechanics, and the alcoved Kreos 3001 on an Iveco Daily chassis and the Ecovip 712 with Fiat Ducato mechanics. Three vehicles with differing technological characteristics and fittings, but with all the extras and all up to Laika’s standard of excellence. These include insulation and lining capable of protecting the riders from both scorching desert heat and freezing high-altitude temperatures some 4,000 metres above sea-level in the Andes, where the housing structure will guarantee thermic stability.
The multi-garlanded Honda Racing Corporation riders, Joan Barreda, Paulo Goncalves, Michael Metge, Paolo Ceci and Ricky Brabec will find a Laika home to come back to and relax in at the end of each day, equipped with comfortable beds, but which can also serve as an office for the daily preparation of the Road Book. All this thanks to the ample living space on offer in the Kreos 3001, the Ecovip 309 and the Ecovip 712. The home comforts of the Laika vehicles combines with a functionality and optimum technical construction that will guarantee the Honda Racing Corporation riders all the security of a real home.
Martino Bianchi, General Manager of HRC Rally Team has explained the reasons why the team have reaffirmed their partnership with Laika: “The choice to go with Laika is based on the quality of the Laika vehicles as well as the wide range available. HRC needs highly-tested vehicles capable of withstanding the most gruelling climatic conditions over many terrain types. The Laika vehicles that we have chosen have the optimal characteristics to put up our team throughout a long and brutal race like the Dakar.”
“The Dakar 2016 is a another important challenge for Laika. – points out Andre Miethe, General Manager of Laika Caravans S.p.A. – Our vehicles are equipped to withstand all kinds of temperatures, and we are very pleased with the sponsorship with Honda Racing Corporation, one of the most famous racing team of the world. We wish to Honda Racing team the best of luck!.”
Laika will follow all the stages of the Kreos 3001, the Ecovip 309 and the Ecovip 712 in South America during the Dakar 2016, from the 3rd to the 16th January on Laika’s Facebook page and on Instagram #laikadakar.
