KTM READY TO RACE DAKAR 2012 (w/video)

The KTM Factory rally team recently carried out final tests on the KTM 450 rally bike in Fontjouncouse in the south of France, ahead of the Dakar 2012 challenge. Now the countdown is in full swing for the world’s most important rally and the KTM factory riders are all “Ready to Race”.

( photos by Edmunds J.)

This final practice session of the year included riders Marc Coma, Cyril Depres, Ruben Faria, Johnny Aubert and Juan Pedrero.

Marc Coma from Spain and French-born Despres are both former Dakar Rally winners and together represent one of the most exciting rivalries in modern motorsports. Riders Juan Pedrero of Spain and Ruben Faria of Portugal will continue to be the two support riders or ‘water carriers’ for Coma and Despres respectively. 

As for the bike the latest KTM 450 Rally has undergone overall updates and improvements over the 2011 model to tackle the 17 days of grueling competition even better than last year.
(Watch video after the jump)

Also present at the final test was KTM Enduro Factory Team rider Johnny Aubert, who will get his first taste of the thrill of the Dakar in 2012. Johnny will be riding a standard KTM Rally bike.

The vast amount of the KTM teams equipment for the Dakar Rally is scheduled to leave for Argentina from the French port of Le Havre on Monday November 21.

Dakar Rally Jan 1-15, 2012. 

KTM Factory Rally Team
Team Manager - Alex Doringer

Riders - Marc Coma, Cyril Depres, Johnny Aubert, Ruben Faria, Juan Pedrero