Off we go!

The last time I was writing an article in my web, Volkswagen had just presented the Tarek at the Essen Motor Show by the end of November. Now, just three weeks later, I am already eagerly anticipating the Dakar Rally with barely more than a week to go.

Believe me: It is quite strange to start the most famous cross-country rally for the 13th time in my career, yet with an unprecedented set of circumstances. In spite of all the hazards in motor racing, there was almost a guarantee in the past years for me to finish the event. This year, however, we are venturing into the unknown with an entirely new car entered by a team who is a newcomer to the sport, too. This is so exciting that it feels like my very first Dakar ever!

People wondered why we had chosen a buggy concept. In a few words: it was the only reliable type of car we could develop within a very short time span. Whereas the 1.9-litre TDI Diesel engine has already been tested in quite a few cars in motorsport, we had to opt for a solid and reliable basis for both chassis and bodyshell. Four-wheel drive is rather complicated a system, plus the 1.9- litre unit is not quite as torqey as you might expect it to be so it would have struggled with a four-wheel drive system anyway. That's why rear-wheel drive and a light car were the only suitable options. 

The body shell is made from carbon fibre and has been designed by Fabrizio Giugiaro's team from Italdesign based in Moncalieri in the outskirts of Turin. 

Having tested the car in Morocco in November and December, I've spent a lot of time in Turin at the Italdesign workshops when the cars for my team-mates Stéphane Henrard from Belgium, Dieter Depping from Northern Germany plus the one I'll get were assembled. Additionally, I support my new co-driver Fabrizia Pons whenever a question arises. She is highly motivated, extremely diligent and very eager to learn. Not to forget: I had to look after my fitness, too.

When you ask me about our expectations for the forthcoming event, we have to be realistic. I was really surprised by a lot of dynamic and handling aspects of the car. The suspension, its ability to cope with jumps and rough and rutted roads are really stunning. But we must not forget it is our first competitive outing at all. Clearly, the odds are on teams like Mitsubishi. I also don't believe we can match Jean-Louis Schlesser's petrol-engined buggy in terms of pure speed. And there are Nissan and BMW, too. Still, however, I hope we get the car to the finish and it would be great to be "best of the rest" in Sharm El Sheikh behind the top favourites. 

If you want to follow the action which kicks off on New Year's Day with a prologue section near Marseille in southern France, there are many ways to do so: As usual, you will find a daily update on my web site. Volkswagen have also established a very useful and comprehensive service that is available at www.touareg-dakar.com in German, English, French, Spanish and Italian. Journalists can ask Volkswagen to be accredited for the media section of their site. Additionally, the organisers supply plenty of information and the latest classifications on the internet as well: www.dakar.com. Plus there is the telly, too - just check the programmes of your national broadcasting services.

I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. It would be great if you would follow the Dakar Rally in either way!