Punishing terrains, extreme climate and endurance conditions, stages covering 9000km over 13 days in front of 4.6 million spectators, 1200 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 motorsport events, and for very good reason.

At an official press conference for the event in Paris on 22 March, Motul’s involvement over recent years was raised to the next level with confirmation that it has been named as official lubricant partner to the event which celebrates its 40th edition in 2018.

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 colors. This enduring relationship with the Honda Dakar team saw Motul maintaining support for the factory squad this past January, a favorite in the bike category.

Motul has been working for several weeks with the ASO team to finalize its 360° activation plan for the Dakar, beginning with the 2018 edition. The plan will be unveiled in several months’ time, and will contain a strong focus on the numerous fans of the Dakar as well as its competitors. The latter will benefit from the use of Motul’s Motorsport Line (cars) and Factory Line (motorcycles) product ranges, from among which is 300V, the engine oil with proven performance and reliability specially developed for the extremes of motorsport competition.

During the weeks of the event itself, competitors will be able to count on the advice and expertise of Motul’s Motorsport Technical Team which usually works in MotoGP, WSBK and at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and which, for the Dakar, will be present at every bivouac.

Etienne Lavigne, Director of the Dakar Rally : “Performance is paramount on the Dakar. On the mechanical side, every component and accessory plays its part and, of course, this is the case for Motul’s lubricants which are used by several of the competitors. More symbolically, performance also matters elsewhere: supporting each other on the ground, going the extra mile and sharing things together. It’s exactly this aspect which interested Motul and which has led them to the creation of a prize highlighting these human values. The ‘Epic Story by Motul’ finds its proper place on the Dakar, and there will be plenty of contenders for it...”

Hélène Zaugg, Motul Head of Communication: " Motul has been involved for several decades in the most extreme forms of competitive motorsport, particularly in endurance racing. Following on 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?

A fabled event since 1979, universally recognized as the ultimate test for men and machines, there is no doubt that the Dakar will be a tremendous showcase for the quality of our products which are now available in more than 160 countries, including Latin America. Together with the ASO and the competitors, the men and women of the Motul group are ready to make their mark on the next chapter of the incredible Dakar story.”

ABOUT THE 2018 DAKAR

The Dakar’s history is built by collecting stories. The reunion of competitors which will take place in Peru on the occasion of the 40th edition of the rally is already shaping up to be the sweetest of moments. The drivers and crews of 2012 and 2013 have already been to the Ica desert. Next January they will once again be able to ride across these sand dunes in the first part of the sporting challenge which awaits them, as varied as it is demanding. After their Peruvian stay, a new Andean part of the route will be integrated covering two sides of Lake Titicaca to celebrate the race’s entry into Bolivia.

After Lima, a second capital city will be visited. La Paz, 4000 meters higher in altitude, will be the location for the rest day. The adventure will then continue on the Bolivian Plateau before an equally challenging race stage on the way to Argentina. The multiple facets of the country will be tackled throughout this route, the final goal being a prestigious destination for all rally lovers. The Argentinean round of the WRC, one of the most popular of the year, has been held in Cordoba on a regular basis since the 1980s. With the Dakar, it is yet another story…