Dakar 2022: Xtremeplus Team ready for the 2022 Dakar

The French team is at the start of the 44th edition of the Dakar with 4 Polaris Pro XP in a year characterized by the record number of over 100 SSV in the starting list. No doubt that it’s going to be an interesting battle.

The 44th edition of the Dakar has not even started and is already a success with 578 vehicles at the start in Jeddah (430 vehicles in the race, 148 crews in the Dakar Classic) and a total number of 1065 competitors. But what impresses more is the record number of over 100 lightweight vehicles, including 49 T3 "lightweight prototypes" and 53 T4 "SSV series".

Marco Piana, Xtremeplus team owner has always believed in this category since its first appearance a decade ago. He was behind the success of William Alcaraz, who won the “solo” category with a Polaris RZR 900 tuned by Marco Piana and, even more importantly, he was the pioneer of the SSV drivers. Since their first appearance on the bivouac, in fact, the SSV category has consistently grown because these vehicles are fun and “easy” to drive, smoothing out the learning curve for rookies or for bikers who want to make the switch to four-wheeled vehicles, and because of their reasonable budget.

At the start with four Polaris RZR Pro X, Marco Piana is running a team of 16 people, 24 if we count also the drivers and the co-drivers.

You are a reference in the SSV category thanks to your experience and professionalism, how many Dakar participations do you have under your belt?
This will be my 21st Dakar. Since 2001 I have done all the editions. My best placement has been P9 in the truck category (2005).

How about the Xtremeplus team?
As a team we have done all the Dakar Rallies since 2004, first with the trucks, with the quad since 2009 and then with the Side by Side vehicles since 2012. We have been 3 times on the podium with the quad (2009-2010-2011). We won 6 times with the SSVs (from 2012 to 2017), and we arrived second in 2018.

What is the winning key of the Xtremeplus team?
There is not a winning formula, but I think the reason of our success is our ability to create a nice atmosphere. The crews can rely on us and this creates a mental peace and trust in the competitors. They know they can count on us on everything. We can support them from a mechanical point of view, logistics and everything.

How many people do you have in the team?
In total we have a staff of 16 people; 8 mechanics, 1 responsible for the engine, 1 for the chassis, 5 drivers and a responsible for the logistics.

How do you see the 2022 route?
This year we will cover 8,000 kms (4300 of which in special stages) in 12 days. To facilitate the logistics and the assistance there will be 5 loops. Personally I prefer the race as a travel so more itinerant. The style is becoming more and more WRC style, so very fast. It’s a pity because this is not in the dna of the rally raid that requires a complete driver able to navigate, go fast and manage the vehicle till the end of the 2-week race.

What is your biggest challenge?
Bring all the 4 crews to the finish line in Jeddah on January the 14th.

Can you describe the 4 crews?
Michele Cinotto and Maurizio Dominella is the most experienced crew, but I’m very curious to see what Pietro Cinotto and Alberto Bertoldi can do. They are a young duo, determined to do well.
Jean Claude Pla and his son Jerome are rookies but they have some experience and their target is to finish. Umeda san is at the debut on the Dakar but he has done other rallies like the Silk Way this year. Next to him an experienced David Giovannetti.

Which are your expectations?
To see the 4 crews happy and satisfied with this incredible life time experience.

Finally, what is the key to do a good result?
The race is only the top of the iceberg. It is important to arrive well prepared during the year.

Source Xtremeplus Team