MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

European vehicles for the Dakar Argentina-Chile Rally undergo inspection

Defending quad title-holder, Marcos Patronelli

The Grande Brasile has arrived at Delta Rock, where the European vehicles participating in the 2011 Dakar Argentina-Chile Rally were unloaded during the night.

The Grande Brasile's cargo, containing 550 rally vehicles (competition, assistance, media and organization) arrived a day later than scheduled at Delta Rock, but with the help of the crew members and local dockworkers, the rally teams spent most of the night unloading their vehicles, which were then taken to the parc fermé. Overlooked by local police and by the port authorities, they will be returned to their owners starting on December 28th.

While scrutinizing and administrative verifications for the South American participants begins on 29 December, the European competitors and crews will go through the process on the 30th and 31st. This minor delay will allow for some final adjustments prior to the start of the rally.

The defending quad title-holder, Marcos Patronelli, seriously injured in late November, hasn't withdrawn from the event. Now ten days prior to the start, he is in a race against the clock which he hopes to win.

“I still cannot put my foot on the ground, but I work out everyday in a rehab center,” said Patronelli, who broke both fibulas during testing. His mental fortitude allowed him to become the first South American to win Dakar in 2010. He is counting on this same determination to get him to the start line of the 2011 race.

“I am extremely motivated. I have ten days left, which could be enough time. I give myself a 60-70% chance of being at the start,” he said.

After a very quick convalescence, the latest idol in the Argentina press has had to lower his objectives.

“I won't be able to compete for the win, but I will try to take it easy alongside my brother Alejandro,” concluded Marcos.