STOCKHOLM, Sweden - Husqvarna Motorcycles will compete in the 2016 Dakar Rally, the world's most famous and toughest off-road event, with an official factory team.
Husqvarna has signed two top riders - Dakar veteran Ruben Faria of Portugal and Pierre-Alexandre (Pela) Renet of France who comes to rally sport with Enduro credentials.
BIG STEP
The bikemaker says its riders will contest the Dakar on Husqvarna FR 450 Rally units. Robert Jonas, Husqvarna Motorcycles motorsport manager, said he very much welcomed the announcement as a natural extension to Husqvarna's engagement at the highest level in other leading international motorsport activities.
"We are taking the Husqvarna brand another step forward into rally sport. We have a rich tradition of racing and this is an opportunity for us to honour and extend it. The Dakar is the most prestige rally on the calendar.
"We're determined to compete on equal terms with the world's best and are ready to accept the challenge of rally sport at its finest. We're also confident that it will be rewarding for our brand and our team."
The Husqvarna presence in the Dakar paddock will be strengthend by the HT Husqvarna Rally Team managed by Henk Hellegers as the brand's official satellite team.