VW Race Touareg 2

Dakar 2010 with Volkswagen

Volkswagen is going to also contest the 2010 edition of the legendary Dakar Rally. Following the one-two and the historic first win of a diesel powered car, the Wolfsburg based manufacturer will once again meet one of the biggest challenges there are, in international motor racing.

"The 2009 Dakar Rally undoubtedly has increased the Volkswagen brand's global appeal," explained Professor Dr Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of Volkswagen AG.

In January, Giniel de Villiers/Dirk Zitzewitz had won the very first Dakar held on South American soil, with their 280bhp diesel-engine powered Race Touareg. The 2010 Dakar will again be held in Argentina and Chile – from 02nd to 17th January.

"We are truly delighted with having had the chance of contributing to this fantastic Volkswagen success and will give our very best to defend the title in 2010," said Holger Spiess, Managing Director of Spiess Motorenbau GmbH.

The preparation for the two-week cross-country event featuring a total distance of some 9,500 desert and pampas kilometres has already begun. "We have got fast drivers, a reliable car and an experienced team – everything it takes to once again contest the Dakar and battle it out for the win," underlined Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen.