The Dakar Rally legend takes part in a promotional film to discuss his attempt to return Yamaha to glory in what promises to be one of the toughest versions of the event ever held
With the 2014 Dakar Rally little more than a month away, five-time and defending motorcycle champion Cyril Despres continues to ready himself aboard his new factory ride. Despres left KTM and signed with Yamaha earlier this year, the “Blue Crew” hoping that the Frenchman can return them to glory in the 2014 Dakar. Yamaha’s last motorcycle victory in the legendary off-road event came in 1998 with Stéphane Peterhansel aboard.
Despres tested the Yamaha YZ450F-based machine in Dakar type conditions in the 2013 Rally Dos Sertoes earlier this year, putting in a strong performance to come second overall.
Despres took some time while making a promotional film in Morocco last month to answer a few questions. He was happy to share his thoughts on his year, including spending time with six-time Yamaha Dakar winner Peterhansel, his first experience on the Yamaha and his perception of its performance potential.
Despres will compete in the 2014 Dakar Rally alongside fellow Yamaha riders Olivier Pain, Frans Verhoeven and Michael Metge.
Most of the team’s equipment will soon be loaded onto ships for the long journey to South America, but the team bikes will be airlifted at a later date so that they can be developed even further. The extra time provides a precious opportunity for last-minute testing before what is shaping up to be the toughest Dakar yet, with new countries and tough terrain adding to the challenge. The 2014 Dakar will have longer special stages than ever before, winding through Argentina, Bolivia and Chile as it tests the riders and their machines to their limits. The Rally will run from the 5th to the 18th January.
Your Privacy Choices