Team speedbrain enters the Dakar 2011 as a powerful newcomer to the worlds toughest off road event.
Riders for the German-based squad are 450cc specialist David Fretigne, of France, and Dutchman Frans Verhoeven. Portugal's Paulo Goncalves and Pedro Bianchi Prata are completing the BMW outfit racing with speedbrain technology.
Speedbrain, who have been operating the offroad factory team for BMW Motorrad Motorsport for the last couple of years, have recently developed a distinctive rally bike based on the BMW G 450 X. Multi-time Dakar stage winner Verhoeven has been instrumental in the process as the development rider.
David Fretigne enters the Dakar 2011 with the ambition of winning the legendary event. "I signed with speedbrain with the clear goal of winning the Dakar. The decision didnå«t come easy after 14 years of riding for a different brand. I see the co-operation with speedbrain as a major opportunity. I am totally confident in the team, its structure and competence. The way the BMW handles and the potential of the package is very impressive. Together weå«re bringing a lot of experience to the table. We both know a thing or two about bike development, setup, fine-tuning and equipment in general. Iå«ve waited a long time for this moment. My ambition for many years has been to win the Dakar, and Iå«ve used all my abilities to work towards that goal. Iå«m highly convinced that it will now become reality."
Riding a Yamaha WR450 in 2009, David Fretigne was the first rider to reach a Dakar podium riding a 450cc machine.
The rally race bike takes advantage of the concept of the BMW 450 X, resulting in an exceptionally light and nimble motorcycle, yet very stable at higher speeds. The small silhouette of the machine ensures minimal air resistance, while the powerful and reliable BMW engine is the ideal powerplant - together forming a highly efficient combination. The 30-liter fuel tank is located at the center of the bike right under the seat, providing a handy and well-balanced setup.
Team manager Wolfgang Fischer adds: "The experience and know-how gathered through the collaboration with BMW Motorrad Motorsport has given speedbrain the perfect foundation to enter the Dakar with a modified BMW 450 X. The bike allows for an excellent weight distribution and provides an incredibly nimble feeling.
"The position of the tank made room for a new approach and the 450cc displacement rule fits nicely into the framework. The co-operation between speedbrain and Frans Verhoeven, who is a remarkable research and development rider, certainly comes to fruition.
"We are very happy to welcome David Fretigne in our team, who already underlined his speed on 450 cc bikes against much stronger engines of his competitiors. It is also a pleasure to support fast Paulo Goncalves and Pedro Bianchi Prata. Paulo recently won his first podium at the Vodafone Rally in Morocco, both portuguese riders are real team players. To make this happen has been a personal dream of mine. Weå«re in front of a new challenge, and weå«re ready for it," he concluded.
