JF MUSIAL: So just like Le Mans, the Dakar Rally, or any
cross-country rally for that matter, has different classes.
So for example, the Mini is actually part of the prototype
class, much like the R18 for Audi.
Yes, the Dakar Rally and the cross-country rallies have
many more classes than Le Mans, but it kind of
acts the same way.
So you've got the Minis, you've got the prototypes, and
then you have things like this.
This is a race truck.
This is kind of like the lower class.
But it is still a competitor in things
like the Dakar Rally.
So let's take a look.
Now, why have these race trucks?
I didn't really understand this until this trip.
It is a competitor in the event.
Only competitors can help each other while they're on stages.
So you can't have mechanics just out there
ready to fix things.
As soon as a mechanic who is not a competitor touches a car
and starts fixing something, that car is
then out of the rally.
So part of the race truck class, the category is that,
yes, this is a competitor.
There are two mechanics and one truck
racer inside the truck.
They are competing.
If, by chance, they come across one of their Minis that
is broken down on the side of the road, they can stop
competing, and then they can fix the truck.
If at no point in the rally the Mini ever has any
problems, they're still a competitor and they can win.
So it's pretty interesting.
So what's in this race truck?
Actually, it has a lot in it.
Well, starting from the specifications, it has a full
race suspension.
It can go over dunes.
It's four by four, unlike the big service trucks which is
where we're going to go next.
Four by four.
Inside it you've got tires, you've got transmissions,
you've got differentials, you've got any part that
you'll need to fix that car.
They don't have welders.
If you're welding something, then pretty
much, it's game over.
But it still has parts.
So race truck.
Now let's go to the big boys.
These are the service trucks.
These are not competitors.
So the difference between the service truck and the race
truck is this can only service the cars while
in a staging area.
It does not go on the race course.
As soon as it goes on the race course and it starts helping
or supporting another vehicle, that vehicle is
then out of the rally.
So what's in here?
Well, it's a lot like the race truck but it has a lot more.
So for example, 48 wheels and tires.
So it's a very interesting color
coordination system back there.
So blue is anything that has to do with
suspension or brakes.
Black has to do with fluids, transmission fluid, oil,
whatever it may be.
And yellow is the miscellaneous parts.
Those are the lighter items on the back half of the truck.
So actually, when you come up inside--
Will, please watch your step coming in here.
This is very, very interesting.
So everything has its place.
Tools, parts, hardware, every nut and bolt that you'd
conceivably need is here, including lug nuts.
As well as it's got a generator, it's got a welding
kit, it's got hoses, rivets.
You can fix the dampers.
This is a damper compression system.
It's got a jack and everything.
These trucks are filled with parts before they
ever go on a rally.
At the workshop here in Germany,
they're filled with parts.
They get special customs declarations so that when they
get to a new country after getting off the boat, they're
not spending three weeks in customs looking
through each panel.
They get some privileges as being a support race truck.
Now, you got to keep in mind on things like the car, you're
on the road for two weeks.
The mechanics are living out of this truck.
And when I mean they're living out of this truck, I truly
mean they are living out of this truck.
So let's come over here.
There are three people associated with this truck,
three mechanics.
These are where their personal items stay.
Here, here, and here.
Their bags, their clothing, everything for
two weeks, in here.
You're going to ask, where do they sleep?
There are tents that they pitch on top of
the truck at night.
That's where they sleep for two weeks.
Pretty amazing.
-You know, when you finish one Dakar, everybody is happy.
The winners are happy.
The guy to finish is happy.
The last one is totally happy.
You want to have a target before the start.
Me, [INAUDIBLE]
or these teams, you start from win, and when you don't win,
you don't feel really, really happy, but you do it.
You finish.
And also, [INAUDIBLE].
But the last one, when I started only five from finish,
and when I finished the Dakar, it's amazing.
But the first time--
I don't know, maybe it's the best or not--
but the first time, I stay in Dakar, my first feeling when I
arrive in Morocco, you know you need to stay in Africa.
From the typical [INAUDIBLE], and this is one of the best
moments, I think.