Team Dessoude: Santiago finally ! 20.01.2013: Leg 14 - 19th of January 2013 La Serena/ Santiago : 625 km - Links : 279 km - SS : 218+128 km

Leg 14 - 19th of January 2013
La Serena/ Santiago : 625 km - Links : 279 km - SS : 218+128 km



This final stage between La Serena and Santiago was a formality for some while for others it decimated all their hopes. These 128 km split into two sectors was quite technical with twisty tracks. In the Dessoude team, Christian Lavieille and the Buggy Juke sign a superb 15th time that allows them to complete the Dakar 2013 in 17th place overall.


Day after day, Frédéric Chavigny and its Proto Atacama confirmed their consistent progression. Today, taking the 33rd position, the crew # 335 finished in the 42nd place overall. Finally, Yves Tartarin is really happy to see Santiago. He concludes its Dakar in the 34th position.
 

 Between La Serena and Santiago each crew remained attentive to his vehicle, attentive to the slightest suspicious noise and to the slightest mechanical weak. But approaching the finish, the nervous tension drops for joy and satisfaction.


Few more meters and Buggy Juke of Christian Lavieille and Jean-Michel Polato crosses the finish line of the final stage. An issue for the crew that ends two weeks of racing on a crazy pace. During this last stage of the 2013 edition, the #318 vehicle pushed enough to take the 15th position and to finish in 17th place overall.


Christian Lavieille is satisfied to reach his goal.  "This stage was very technical and perfect for 4X4 but from the start, we decided to push and we quickly overtake the Miki Biasion’s truck. Then, we were slowed quite a long time by a Kamaz truck. Once again, Jean-Michel did a really good job and the car was perfect.


This Dakar was difficult. At the beginning, we had to face great difficulties and the pace was high. The Buggy Juke is a good car and it did not disappoint me. Our primary objective was to join Santiago and, we have reached our goal. Regarding the rankings, regulations advantages big buggies but I also noticed there were fewer withdrawals than in previous years. Cars have become more reliable. We are very happy to be there, "Mission accomplished!""


  Co-driver for Christian, Jean-Michel Polato shared this race in the right-hand seat. "This year we did not have any particular challenge in terms of navigation, but the first part of the rally in the dunes was very demanding. Christian has experience and we were able to get out of the traps.


The second week was disturbed by weather conditions and that’s unfortunate. Nevertheless, I think the pace was faster this year. The Dakar becomes more a sprint and less an endurance event. What is certain is that we were amazed by landscapes, it was just incredible!”


By reaching Santiago on their Proto Atacama, Frédéric Chavigny and Guy Leneveu had a smile: mission accomplished! Great satisfaction for the crew who have done a superb final stage (33rd time) and especially to have reached Santiago after two intense weeks.

Frédéric comes back on his fifth Dakar, the fourth he finished.  "Another one! I am satisfied with this last stage because in addition, we had fun. Once again, a rally is never finished until you have crossed the finish line. We were able to see today it’s true. About the 2013 Dakar, it was a difficult race because the first two legs were tricky.


But for five years in South America, it was also probably the best and the most varied in terms of stages and scenery. We finished in the 42nd position, this is not the place I had originally wished but there was a strong line-up, then I'm happy. Last year’s disappointment is gone.


I would like to thank the whole Dessoude team for the work during these two weeks. Thank you to the technicians and especially the mechanics who worked day and night for us. Thank you too, of course, to Géraldine and André! As always, when you finish a Dakar, you want to come back, so... see you next year!”
 


Yves Tartarin and Christian Poirault are not unhappy either, to complete this new Dakar. After some adventures, the crew of the Buggy does not hide his satisfaction to have lived this long-term race. The stage was beautiful but with the trucks, it was a disaster ... We were stuck for quite twenty minutes. But what a great joy to be at the parc fermé! I finished my 17th Dakar ...




I am especially pleased because we came with a brand new car and because I discovered the two-wheel drive category. We did not change any mechanical spare part, just four CV gaiters, and a set of brake pads during the rest day. We punctured three times, that's all! It is rare enough to highlight but it also confirms what Jean-Michel (Polato) said, the Dakar becomes more a sprint than an endurance race. To be on top of the classification, you must drive without stopping, any incident, any puncture costs a lot in terms of positions.


I also want to tell my satisfaction to have been part of the Team Dessoude, I would like to send them a big thank you for their support!”


The 2013 Dakar finishes in the Chilean capital, where tomorrow the podium ceremony will be a new opportunity to celebrate the heroes of the most difficult rally race in the world.



Géraldine DESHAYES, photos DPPI-