Ignacio Casale finishes Dakar 10th for X-raid Yamaha supported team
The Dakar 2023 is done. The crews have mastered over 4,000 kilometres against the clock. The X-raid YXZ1000R Turbo Prototype Side-by-Side has proven its enormous potential. Two stage wins and several top 3 positions show that the X-raid-built SxS is a force to be reckoned with in the future. Ignacio Casale and Alvaro Leon secure a great tenth place overall. Their teammates Ricardo Porém and Augusto Sanz reach twelfth place.
The SS2 of the Dakar 2023 proved to be a key stage in retrospect. Extremely stony terrain caused problems for many participants. The crews of the X-raid Yamaha supported team also lost a lot of time on this day and fell far behind in the overall standings. But nobody – neither the pilots nor the mechanics – gave up. Casale and Porém managed to work their way back up in the overall standings. Joao Ferreira no longer had a chance to finish in the top 15, but secured the team’s first ever Dakar stage win.
Tobias Quandt, Team Manager: “I think we surprised some people with our side-by-side. After the initial difficulties, we were able to place consistently in the top 5 and even take several stage wins. The team worked great together throughout the Dakar. When we are back home, we will analyse the past weeks to improve further.”
Ignacio Casale: “We had an incredible second week. We were always able to finish the stages in top positions. Without the first week, a place at the front would certainly have been possible. But I am very happy. This is a long-term project. If we work hard over the year, we can fight for victory next Dakar.”
Ricardo Porém: “The first week was very hard for me and Augusto. The second week was even better. We were able to consistently finish in the top 5 and even win a stage. Thanks to Augusto for his great job. Thanks also to the team who built a great side-by-side.”
Joao Ferreira: “I am happy to have made my first Dakar. It was very tough but we managed to get good results for the team. We proved the huge potential of the vehicle. But the most important goal was to gain more experience as a driver. My big thanks go to Filipe Palmeiro and the whole X-raid Yamaha supported team.”
Camelia Liparoti: “It was a difficult but “real” Dakar. Unfortunately, it didn’t go as I would have liked because of technical problems. But I learned a lot again and that makes me stronger for the future. I am also very proud of my team-mates and the X-raid YXZ1000R Turbo Prototype. It’s a great side-by-side with lots of potential.”
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Dakar Rally 2023 overall standings
1. A. Jones / G. Gugelmin – Can-Am – 51h 55m 53s
2. S. Quintero / D. Zenz – Can-Am – 52h 47m 58s
3. G. de Mevius / F. Cazalet – OT3 – 53h 25m 35s
4. C. Gutierrez / P. Moreno – Can-Am – 54h 52m 13s
5. F. Lopez / J. Latrach – Can-Am – 54h 53m 41s
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10. I. Casale / A. Leon – X-raid YXZ1000R Turbo Prototype – 58h 49m 20s
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12. R. Porém / A. Sanz – X-raid YXZ1000R Turbo Prototype – 62h 38m 34s
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17. A. Alkuwari / M. Lucchese – X-raid YXZ1000R Turbo Prototype – 69h 00m 14s
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34. C. Liparoti / X. Blanco – X-raid YXZ1000R Turbo Prototype – 116h 41m 58s
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36. J. Ferreira / F. Palmeiro – X-raid YXZ1000R Turbo Prototype – 175h 50m 33s
