Volkswagen Confirms Presence in 2011 Dakar Rally

Since the South American continent seems to favor Volkswagen in recent years – of course, we're talking about the Dakar Rally – the German manufacturer has today confirmed its presence in the 2011 edition of the event also. VW will therefore return to Argentina next January in an attempt to sweep a 3rd consecutive Rally Dakar win, following their massive success in the past 2 years.

Following Rally Dakar's switch from its initial African base to South America – Argentina and Peru jointly hosted the rally since 2009 – VW won back-to-back editions through South African driver Giniel de Villiers and former WRC champion Carlos Sainz (who bagged his first ever win in the competition last year).

More, VW recorded a 1-2-3 finish in the event earlier this year, as Qatari racer Nasser Al-Attiyah fought head to head against Sainz until the final kilometer for the overall win. Under the circumstances, there would be no reason for VW to abandon their winning ship in South American, and will try to make it 3 in a row in 2011.

“We now have the opportunity to achieve the diesel hat-trick and to thereby make motorsport history again. We will again invest all our passion, heart and soul in this project at the next 'Dakar',” said Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen.

However, a final announcement on Volkswagen's 2011 drivers' lineup in Rally Dakar is yet to be made. Carlos Sainz is expected to return to Dakar at the wheel of a Touareg 2 for one more time, to defend his 2010 crown.