P1racenews AI automatic summary:
For safety reasons, the Dakar Rally no longer runs between Paris and Dakar, but instead in alternative locations. But even in those other venues, it seems it is anything but safe as recently, a Brazilian Dakar team was attacked by pirates.
Renowned off-road driver Rodrigo Varela and navigator Enio Bozzano are participating in this year’s Dakar Rally, despite their vehicle, a Can-Am UTV, being attacked by pirates while being transported by ship to Saudi Arabia during the Christmas period. The car had to take an alternate route, delaying its arrival by 20 days. Varela and Bozzano managed to find a replacement car in Portugal and made necessary modifications to pass the Dakar inspection. However, they still lack spare parts, as they were also on the attacked ship, and are relying on the help of other rally participants. Despite these challenges, Varela and Bozzano successfully started the prologue and the first stage of the rally.
