Faggotter satisfied with end result following demanding Dakar
Sole Yamalube Yamaha Official Rally Team finisher ends up 16th overall.
Image: Supplied.
Australia’s Rodney Faggotter has completed the 2018 Dakar Rally in 16th position overall as the lone Yamalube Yamaha Official Rally Team rider to complete this year’s running.
Faggotter wrapped up the final day of the rally in 19th position, finishing P16 overall on-board the factory Yamaha WR450F Rally machine.
“The race is over and I’m happy I crossed the finish-line,” Faggotter said. “Today we raced a shorter stage and it all went pretty well for me. The starting order this morning was reversed, so we had to pay extra attention when passing riders in front.
“I am happy with my top 20 result for the day and with my 16th position in the final overall standings. It’s been a long two weeks of racing and I’m happy to be here at the finish-line. This has been a demanding Dakar, so to reach the finish is a feat in itself. I really had a great time racing with the team here in South America.”
Yamalube Yamaha Official Rally Team director Alexandre Kowalski was pleased to see Faggotter reach the finish in a race that saw teammates Adrien Van Beveren, Xavier de Soultrait and Franco Caimi ruled out at varying stages.
“We’ve made it to the finish of a really tough Dakar and this is a good reward for all of our hard work,” Kowalski commented. “Despite this being the final stage of the race, it wasn’t easy at all. There were some fast tracks full of hidden stones and we were happy Rod brought his Yamaha home without making any mistakes.
“Overall he’s had a strong run in this year’s rally and we were all happy to see him cross the finish-line. This has been an emotional adventure for us. Despite losing Franco and then Xavier and Adrien, we all stayed behind Rod in his attempt to finish the rally.
“I am personally really proud of the work done by all members of our team this year. The first week was like a dream coming true for us. Most importantly, we showed this year that we have a bike that is highly competitive and fully capable to win the Dakar. We’ve improved a lot and we are were all happy to be here racing for Yamaha.”
Recent
