Aubervilliers, 12 December 2014. Worldwide’s specialist in high performance premium lubricants, MOTUL, is delighted to announce a new technical partnership with Toyota Overdrive Racing, one of the biggest and most successful cross-country teams in the world. The partnership with the Belgian squad will cover the legendary Dakar Rally and the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies.
One of the most gruelling and challenging motorsport events in the world, the Dakar Rally pits the world’s greatest off-road drivers against not only hundreds of competitors but also against the elements. From the icy cold of the mountains to the searing heat of the desert, Motul’s products must – and do – withstand every extreme.
Former FIA World Baja Champion, and top four finishers (3rd in 2012, 2nd in 2013, 4th in 2014) at the Dakar, Overdrive Racing will be fielding 10 Toyota Hiluxes in January for the world’s toughest off-road event. Nine of these will be carrying the iconic red and white Motul colours and using Motul’s products. In addition, Overdrive recommends Motul’s Motorsport Line and 300V lubricants for this gruelling test of man and machine.
Among the drivers will be former event winner Giniel de Villiers and South African support driver Leeroy Poulter who will run a pair of Toyotas under the Toyota Imperial South Africa banner with logistical support supplied by Overdrive Racing. Also in the Overdrive Racing line-up is Christian Lavieille, the highly experienced Frenchman having tackled a number of Dakar rallies and other long-distance desert events in an illustrious career.
Overdrive’s team director Jean-Marc Fortin, said: “We are delighted to have the support of Motul who have a proven track record in endurance events. We know from experience that the consistency and reliability of engine and gearbox lubricants is vital for success and we don’t hesitate to recommend Motul’s products to all our customers and teams.”
The 2015 edition will run from 3-17 January across Argentina, Bolivia and Chile with the added challenge of marathon stages which will require determination and endurance equally. Over 600 entries, including many using Motul’s products and carrying the iconic red and white colours of the company, will cover four categories – bike, quad, car and truck which will cover 9000 kilometres over the course of the event.
Motul has proven technical reliability in this arena, and its technical partners will be using specially adapted lubricants and coolants from its Motorsport Line (Auto) and Factory Line (Moto), particularly from the 300V range for high performance and maximum protection. The terrain, climate and endurance conditions endured by the Dakar’s competitors can be punishing, and offer the international lubricant company an excellent living laboratory for its products.
Motul’s Motorsport Manager, Romain Grabowski, added: "Toyota Overdrive Racing is undoubtedly an international reference point in cross-country and off-road racing, and we are very happy to announce this partnership. Their success at Dakar, with two podiums in 2012 and 2013 speaks for itself. The addition of this partnership to our portfolio means we are working with Toyota in all four corners of the world: with the Toyota Etios Motor racing Series in India, the Chinese Touring Car Championship in China, the Toyota Racing Series in New Zealand and also with the Team Toyota Auto Body which will be participating in the T2 category at Dakar."
