The first major sporting event of the year, the Dakar 2025 will once again cross Saudi Arabia from January 3 to 17. 770 competitors are in the running this year. An Ardentais will be part of the adventure but the last hours which preceded his departure were trying and uncertain. Indeed, Christophe Crespo had to, as usual, participate in his 17e edition as co-pilot of Jean-Pierre Strugo.
“A cold shower” followed by a miracle
But the 78-year-old driver, who had not missed a start since 1985, suffered health problems forcing him to withdraw for 2025. “It was a real cold shower for me and for the team. We were well prepared to go to the end and avoid the mechanical problems of last year”confides Christophe Crespo, who already saw himself returning to Berry.
It won't. And salvation came from Pierre Lachaume, the owner of the MD Optimus car (equipped with a 400 hp Chevrolet V8 engine) which was rented to Jean-Pierre Strugo. “He was quickly informed of the situation. He was on vacation in the Alps but he decided to take up the challenge to take over”specifies the Ardentais.
Co-driver of Pierre Lachaume
But it was not yet won when it was still necessary to obtain all the necessary agreements in a very short period of time: “we needed the approval of the FIA, the ASO organization, to obtain a visa and the license but also a last minute plane flight”. Et, “magic of the Dakar”everything was obtained on time and Christophe Crespo will start at Bisha this Friday January 3 in car number 278, class T1-2, 4X2 all-terrain prototypes.
And the Ardentais does not set out to attack the dunes with a stranger or a novice. Its new driver, Pierre Lachaume, has a long track record of numerous successes and places of honor in rally raids. He is also a regular at the Dakar, which he finished in 2023 at 13e place in the car ranking associated with François Beguin.
The Lachaume/Crespo crew is integrated into Team MD Rallye and will benefit from three trucks engaged in assistance and one in the race as well as two mechanics transported by car or truck.
