The Astara Team will be entering the 2023 Dakar Rally. The said team will consist of 30 individuals from around the world including several elite drivers. These include Laia Sanz, Maurizio Gerini, Carlos Checa, Marc, Sola, Oscar Fuertes, and Diego Vallejo.
The Astara 01 Concept
Like it did before in the same world famous rally championship, their vehicles will be racing in a more environmentally friendlier and more sustainable manner. This is mainly thanks to their use of e-fuel, of which the team will use 20 percent more compared to last year.
The team is so thorough in their mission to compete sustainably that they will actually measure their carbon footprints. They will also provide reports, and their greenhouse gas emissions will be analyzed by third parties as well. Yes, this includes the team’s means of travel, and logistics needs.
The team's main weapon for the 2023 edition of Dakar is the Astara 01 Concept. This is the same car that the team used last year, and appearance-wise, it still looks like a trophy truck. Underneath, however, this beast has been provided with some upgrades in the form of weight reduction and a beefier engine, among others.
Astara Team at the 2022 Dakar Rally [Photo: Astara]
As for the Dakar 2023 itself, it will still be held in Saudi Arabia from December 31, 2022 to January 15, 2023. Specifically, the race will follow the coast of the Red Sea near Yanbu al-Bahr, to finish in Ar-Damman on the Persian Gulf. Those familiar with geography will know that this takes the race from west to east to cross the Rub al-Kahli desert.
For those unfamiliar with Astara, be aware that it is an international company primarily concerned with mobility services. It has a large presence in Europe and South America, and it is also the official distributor of Peugeot cars here in the Philippines.
For more car news, and the latest automotive industry updates, keep it here on Philkotse.