Dakar 2020 is just around the corner and Motul will once again be right at the heart of the
world’s toughest rally raid. As a major partner to the event itself, Motul’s 360° involvement
touches many areas and many people, but its partnerships with factory entrants and
competitors are at the core of the event.
An exciting new partnership for 2020, announced today, is with the Monster Energy Can-Am
team and South Racing. The German team with the wholly international feel will be entering
three 900cc, turbo-charged Monster Energy Can-Am Maverick X3 vehicles in the SSV category
in addition to South Racing’s Mavericks and, after finishing 2nd, 3rd and 4th last year, for the
Monster Energy Can-Am team there is only one way to go in 2020…to the top!
Starting on 5th January in Saudi Arabia, the three Monster Energy Can-Am Maverick entries will
face 7,500 km of route, 75% of which will be over sand. Flawless navigation, performance
management and driving skills will all be key to success, and Motul’s transmission and engines
oils will play an important role as always. For reliability, performance and durability, Motul Gear
Competition 75W140 and 300V2 Factory Line 10W50, specially formulated with exclusive
ESTERCore technology for maximum power in racing conditions, are the lubricants of choice for
winners across the globe. In today’s eco-conscious environment, we shouldn’t forget that the
engine oil is made of an organic base, reducing the carbon footprint and using less raw fossil
materials.
Monster Energy Can-Am drivers and co-drivers form a multi-national line up with Casey Currie from
the USA, Gerard Farres from Spain and Brazil’s 2019 FIA World Cup Winner Reinaldo Varela behind
the wheel. Currie eats, sleeps and lives motorsport and has been preparing non-stop for Dakar
2020 ever since the end of last year’s event which was a hugely steep learning curve for the popular
American. He and new co-driver, Sean Berriman, are determined to conquer Dakar but face strong
opposition, not least from their teammates.
After 11 editions on a bike and finishing 2nd last year in SSV, Gerard Farres also has victory in his
sights but the unknown aspects of the new, Saudi Arabian terrain will serve to equalize all
competitors somewhat. With more SSV experience than his teammates and victory in 2018 under
his belt, Reinaldo Varela is conscious that the level of competition will be tougher than ever but is
down on paper as the one to beat.
South Racing will also field an entry for Baja 1000 TT Spec champions Austin Jones and Kellon Walch
in the Motul backed South Racing Can-Am Maverick X3 who will be making their Dakar debut in
2020, after strong showings on the Silkway Rally and Morocco, they will be in the thick of the SXS
category battle.
Scott Abraham, South Racing Managing Director: “We are very excited to be joining the Motul
family. The Monster Energy Can-Am team are looking to Dakar for a strong result having won the
FIA World Cup in 2019. It is partnership that we have talked about for several years and this year
everything came together. Both companies are growing quickly, and we look forward to many fun
and successful events together in future.”
Romain Grabowski, Motul Head of Brand: “We are delighted to announce this partnership with
the Monster Energy Can-Am team and South Racing. As with the Honda HRC factory team, Toyota
Autobody factory team, and score of private teams, the team will benefit from Motul products
which have several decades of experience in the most demanding racing conditions behind them.
Onsite the Motul Racing Lab will also be here in every single bivouac for analyzing lubricants on a
regular basis”.
