SA link in Duster team for '15 Dakar

PARIS, France - The official Renault Duster Team will be in its third Dakar Rally, the 2015 edition, from January 4-17 with two all-new cars and engines from the Renault-Nissan Alliance with the objective of finishing in the top 10.

Given the image, seems the drivers will need a pilot's licence... but they'll be flying on space frames co-designed, developed and assembled in South Africa, along with the five-litre V8 petrol engine.

Anyway, since 2013, Renault Argentina has entered in one of the most demanding and exhilarating events in the world: 29th in the general classification in its maiden participation. Now the team has capitalised on its experience in 2014 - 14th overall and fourth in class.

BEST ASSETS ON OFFER

The two teams - Emiliano Spataro / Benjamín Lozada and José García / Mauricio Malano, prepared for the Dakar by competing in three rounds of the Argentinian Rally Cross-Country Championship, taking a win and three second places..

For 2015 Renault Sport Technologies will support  the team even more, bringing all its expertise and latest innovations to offer the two Dusters the best assets for a top-10 place.

To achieve this goal two new Dusters have been provided with, Renault says, cutting-edge technologies. Renault said: "More modern and powerful, the vehicles are equipped with V8 engines from the Renault-Nissan Alliance, producing 285kW.

"Renault Argentina is reinforcing its logistics and its race team providing optimised technical support in Argentina, Chile and Bolivia, the countries that will be crossed for the 2015 edition."

All along the rally the affiliate will be in action to allow the public to meet the drivers and get a close look at the Dusters. At the same, thanks to an agreement with Amaury Sport Organisation, a limited-edition Renault Duster Dakar will be introduced in Argentina.