Husqvarna Motorcycles are proud to confirm their official rider line-up for the 2018 Dakar Rally. Following an impressive season, FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Champion Pablo Quintanilla will be joined by Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team partner Andrew Short, with the duo set to tackle the two-week-long adventure aboard the all-new FR 450 Rally.
Making history for Husqvarna Motorcycles by successfully defending his Rallies World Championship title at the series finale in Morocco, Pablo Quintanilla will be launching an attack for the top step of the podium at the next edition of the Dakar Rally, in January. Less than 50 days before the start of the big event in Lima, Peru, the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rally star is confident of a strong performance in the dunes and endless offroad trails of South America.
‰ÛÏI‰Ûªm really looking forward to the coming Dakar." Quintanilla stated. "It‰Ûªs been a really good season for me, I‰Ûªm really motivated to do well at the biggest race of the year.
"We‰Ûªve all worked hard to improve in every little aspect and I‰Ûªm really confident in my team and what I‰Ûªm capable of. The key of the race for me is to know when to push and when to ride cautiously. This is something that comes with experience and it takes time to understand when it‰Ûªs the right moment to attack a stage.
"We‰Ûªve also made a big step forward with the new FR 450 Rally. The updated bike is much lighter, easier to handle and gives you an impressive feeling of safety when going fast. We‰Ûªve been working hard to develop this machine for two years and I‰Ûªm really satisfied with the end result. I enjoy racing it and I‰Ûªm confident that with this bike and such a strong team we can fight for victory in January.‰Û
