De Villiers: “The pressure is on Sainz”

A few weeks before the start of the 2010 Dakar, Giniel De Villiers (Volkswagen), the winner of the first edition of the Rally-Raid organized in South America, is preparing without pressure. The latter will, according to him, be on the shoulders of his teammate Carlos Sainz.

Published on 08/12/2009 à 14:51

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Winner of the 2009 edition of the Dakar organized for the first time in Argentina and Chile, Giniel De Villiers appreciates competing in the Rally-Raid in South America. “ It's nice to present yourself as the reigning champion, and I assure you that the appetite remains the same. The difference is that maybe I'm more relaxed », Says the South African.

Within the Volkswagen armada which will field five vehicles, De Villiers puts everyone on the same equal footing. “ There is no number 1. Carlos Sainz wants to win the race as much as Nasser (Al-Attiyah). But the truth is that there is less pressure on me, and more on them. »

The South African will also appear more physically fit than in 2009 leaving Buenos Aires where he suffered from a herniated disc. “ I had surgery in April, and now I am fully recovered. I'm ready to stand my ground “, concluded De Villiers. The 2010 Dakar competitors will set off on January 1st from Buenos Aires.