Earlier this year, Romain Dumas discovered the Dakar rally with Ecurie du Coeur. He enjoyed this human and sporting adventure so much that he has signed up again for 2016, along with his experienced co-driver François Borsotto.

The 2015 Dakar made a significant impression on Dumas who got his first taste of cross-country rallying in the event after showing his versatility with several GT rally successes and overall victory at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Having been forced to retire at the start of the tenth stage however as a result of mechanical trouble, Dumas feels he has unfinished business in the event. “Returning to the Dakar was one of my hopes but all the pieces of the puzzles had to come together. Along with the team and partners, we were able to accomplish this and I’m happy to be back at the starting line of this legendary race,” he explained. “First of all, running it with my own team was an obvious decision in my eyes. Along with my official schedule with Porsche, we got in the habit of building big challenges for ourselves, in rallying or Pikes Peaks, for example. I wanted the team to experience the Dakar and I know this is the right atmosphere to grow the team. Next, I wanted to race in a car that is more competitive and that’s the case with the Peugeot 2008 DKR15+. Logically, I’m more ambitious, even if my first participation taught me one thing – to expect the unexpected! The goal is clearly to be at the finish and to strike when the moment is right.”

After a first test in October in France, Dumas and the RD Rallye Team took possession of the 2008 DKR15+ this week at the Peugeot Sport factory where they were given specific training. The Dakar prologue will be held on 2 January, the day before the official start. The finish in Rosario (Argentina) is scheduled for 16 January.

The Peugeot 2008 DKR15+ will be flying the colours of Mécénat Chirurgie Cardiaque, a French charity that helps children with heart problems. Dumas, with the support of the Matmut Group, hopes to save eight children suffering from heart malformations by participating in the rally. “I was made aware of this cause and, along with Mécénat Chirurgie Cardiaque, we formed a relationship starting last year. It continued in June for the 24 Hours of Le Mans and I’m proud to continue this partnership today,” emphasised the Frenchman. “I said last year that fighting spirit and solidarity are two very important values for me. This has not changed, as they are part of my education and I’m determined to fly the colors of Mécénat Chirurgie Cardiaque high and proud. I know it’s nothing original, but it’s my way of being honest. During the Dakar, I will be fighting for those children and making sure people talk and know about them. I hope to make these children proud.”

Another major event awaits Dumas this weekend – the 6 Hours of Bahrain, the closing round of the 2015 World Endurance Championship. He will be at the wheel of the #18 Porsche 919 Hybrid along with regular teammates Marc Lieb and Neel Jani.

(Courtesy of Romain Dumas’ press release)

Photo: Romain Dumas has chosen the Peugeot 2008 DKR15+ for his return to the Dakar rally.