[ad_1]
And those questions are justified. If we remember the first Lithuanian starts in Dakar (it took place in Africa at the time), then both the team and the team were much more modest. What about the teams? Who could have thought that Lithuanians could one day compete with the same team as well-known and respected drivers around the world?
In January this year, Formula 1 legend Fernando Alonso started off in the Toyota Gazoo Racing team’s off-road race. You probably remember his crash on the dune, a damaged car, and a great passion for racing.
That is, Benedict Vanagas in 2021. In Dakar, on January 3, the same Hilux as the Spanish title will be launched. In total, there are only 14 Hilux sports models marked with the special IMA code in the world.
The IMA code is encrypted as follows: I – Independent suspension, M – Mid-engine, A – All-wheel drive. In other words, an all-wheel drive model with an off-center motor and independent suspension.
The previous model, which will now be used by Edvinas Juškauskas, is marked with the IRS code: Independent rear suspension, because there are also models that had a so-called “beam” at the end, that is, a suspended rear suspension.
It is true that Toyota Gazoo leaders Nasser Al-Attiyah and Giniel de Villiers will start with even better “weapons”. But that’s not important. The thing is, Lithuanians have not yet been that close to factory technologies. Well, unless Vaidotas Žala received a lot of support from the MINI team technicians in Dakar this year.
Speaking of the negotiations on the factory car, B. Vanagas mentioned that Fernando Alonso’s car was offered to the Lithuanian team. Because the F1 legend won’t be racing in the desert race for now at least, he goes back to formula.
However, B.Vanagas took the opportunity to choose a completely new car instead of saving about 50,000 euros.
“It is natural that the old F. Alons car has a better collector value. But we need results. The new car has no history yet, so that choice is more practical. The Dakar is not an easy ride, every race leaves his footprint. Therefore, the new technique is better in this case, “explained B. Vanagas.
Vanag did not disclose all car prices because it is subject to agreements with Toyota Gazoo Racing. However, you did notice that the previous Hilux was 15-20 percent cheaper. And the total budget for Dakar is around one million dollars. Eur, if we also count the car.
How much does the most expensive member Filipe Palmeiro cost the team and how is it different to sit in a new car, what is the advantage of an engine that moves in the middle of the car? 15 minutes GAZAS reports:
VIDEO: Benedict Vanag revealed why he did not choose Fernando Alonso’s car
[ad_2]
