Photo: autoevolution
Husqvarna has been, undoubtedly, through quite some rough times during the past years, but it looks like the company is finally on the right track, now that KTM is overseeing its development. And to make things better, Husky announces they will be entering the Dakar 2016 Rally with their own factory team.
The news adds to the pre-event stir we have already witnessed, and this includes Laia Sanz parting with Honda for a career with KTM, while KTM's star and 5-time Dakar winner Marc Coma retires from racing and becomes the new Sporting Director of the rally.
Husqvarna announces they will be taking the start in Peru in January with a two-rider line-up. The H-blazon bikes will have veteran Ruben Faria and rookie Pierre-Alexandre "Pela" Renet behind the bars, hailing from Portugal and France, respectively.
His wingman will be Pela Renet, who will be facing the South American rally for the first time, but who also comes with excellent credentials in the Enduro scene. Both will be riding the Husqvarna 450 Rally, a bike believed to be fairly similar to the proven, successful KTM race machine.
The Dakar is the most prestigious rally on the calendar. We’re determined to compete on equal terms with the world’s best teams and we are ready to accept the challenge of rally sport at its finest. We are also very confident that it will be rewarding for our brand and our factory team,” declared Robert Jonas, Husqvarna Motorcycles Vice President Motorsports.
Husqvarna's presence at Dakar 2016 will also include a satellite team. HT Husqvarna Rally Team, managed by Henk Hellegers, will be the official satellite team, but no detailed info on it was provided at the time of writing.
Husqvarna announces they will be taking the start in Peru in January with a two-rider line-up. The H-blazon bikes will have veteran Ruben Faria and rookie Pierre-Alexandre "Pela" Renet behind the bars, hailing from Portugal and France, respectively.
Husqvarna relies on a Dakar veteran who was second with KTM in 2013
The 41-year-old Portuguese made his Dakar debut back in 2006 and his best performance is a finish in the second position, behind teammate Cyril Despres, in 2013. A well-known name in rally and cross-country, Faria also finished sixth this year.His wingman will be Pela Renet, who will be facing the South American rally for the first time, but who also comes with excellent credentials in the Enduro scene. Both will be riding the Husqvarna 450 Rally, a bike believed to be fairly similar to the proven, successful KTM race machine.
Husqvarna will also line up a satellite team
"We are pleased and proud to be taking the Husqvarna brand another step forward into rally sport. Husqvarna has a rich tradition of racing and this represents an opportunity for us to honor and extend this tradition.The Dakar is the most prestigious rally on the calendar. We’re determined to compete on equal terms with the world’s best teams and we are ready to accept the challenge of rally sport at its finest. We are also very confident that it will be rewarding for our brand and our factory team,” declared Robert Jonas, Husqvarna Motorcycles Vice President Motorsports.
Husqvarna's presence at Dakar 2016 will also include a satellite team. HT Husqvarna Rally Team, managed by Henk Hellegers, will be the official satellite team, but no detailed info on it was provided at the time of writing.
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