David Castera: “Navigation cannot be a lottery”

Since its implementation during the 2021 edition of the Dakar for cars and trucks, the electronic road book is still not unanimous. Not yet really used to it, the co-drivers were often trapped making mistakes which cost their neighbor on the left dearly. Triple winner of the greatest rally-raid, Carlos Sainz Sr. did not hesitate to criticize this system which is about to be used for the 3^e year of rank in Saudi Arabia.

Despite criticism from certain riders, the Dakar management has always defended its new digital road book. While he recognizes that the tool can still be improved, David Castera, director of the event, believes that the crews must also manage the device better to avoid repeated navigation errors.

« I agree with Carlos (Sainz) but I have to maintain a balance between speed and endurance, assures David Castera in the columns of Trademarks. I know that navigation cannot be a lottery, and it won't be, but the race will be won by whoever has a good co-pilot. Ultimately, Carlos doesn't want there to be any navigation but the terrain is very rough, and there are a lot of roads that look the same. It is even difficult for us to do the road book. The start of the race will be simple for the first two days then the navigation will start to be more difficult. » Carlos Sainz Sr. will appreciate it.

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