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The choice was determined by professionalism, experience and a good result
When choosing a navigator for the Dakar 2021, negotiations were held with professionals from Great Britain, Poland, France, South Africa, the Netherlands and Portugal. According to Mr. Vanago, the final decision on Mr. Palmeiro was made based on his professionalism, the experience of the factory team and the good experience of this year’s Dakar Rally.
“After this year’s experience with Filipe, it was not easy to find a new co-driver. Naturally, compare new candidates with existing experience. Filipe remained a priority throughout the search. I am glad that he himself wanted to continue the cooperation, “said B. Vanagas, record holder for the best result of the Baltic countries in Dakar.
Palmeiro first joined the Vanago team a few days before the trip to Saudi Arabia, where the 2020 Dakar took place. When it became clear that then-teammate Sebastian Rozwadowski could not participate in the toughest race on the planet due to problems with health, F. Palmeiro agreed to replace him.
General plans for the entire 2021 season
Palmeiro, a 43-year-old co-driver who has represented the Mini X-raid team for eleven years, has decided not to renew his contract with the team. The athlete partners next year with Inbank Toyota Gazoo Racing Baltics.
“I had a great experience with Benedict and his team, so I decided to extend the cooperation for a year. It is an extremely professional and results-oriented team. I hope that together we will reach the TOP 10 in the Dakar Rally. Our plans with Benedict and the start of the World Cup “, says F. Palmeiro.
Palmeir’s crossover co-driver started his career in 2005 and it will be his 15th Dakar. The biggest achievement in the toughest race on the planet: 8th place in 2019. Portugal is also a multiple participant in the FIA Cross Country Rally World Cup, finishing second in the 2009 championship.
Looking for a financial solution
According to B. Vanags, the new co-driver is a large additional financial line in the team’s budget, for which solutions are still being sought. “We just realized that the result would be better than last time. You must make decisions that allow you to improve. In my 25-year career, this is the most expensive investment, but to move forward, we will have to find additional sources of funding for this important team step, ”concluded Inbank Toyota Gazoo Racing team strategist Baltics B. Vanagas.
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