Six Loirétains take their place on the starting line: Jean-Luc Martineau, Philippe Boutron, Benoît Lepiètre, Rodrigue Relmy-Madinska, Jean and Arnold Brucy.
Engaged in different categories, these drivers or co-drivers do not all pursue the same objectives. However, they will be driven by their common fascination for this legendary race, which pits the best drivers in the world against each other. Here is their profile.
Philippe Boutron
For his eleventh Dakar, Philippe Boutron reunites with Mayeul Barbet, his friend and usual co-driver, who had joined the Toyota factory team for the 2024 edition. “It gives me a lot of joy to find him again. He is someone with whom I “I've taken part in many rallies. We have a long-standing bond. And he's a very competent guy,” said the 64-year-old driver.
After years of driving a buggy, he will now be behind the wheel of an SSV for the BTR team: “I'm changing category, so it will give me a new experience.”
Since the attack of which he was the victim in 2022, Philippe Boutron has put this painful episode “behind him” and will above all try to “go to the end” even though he was forced to give up last year.
From the height of ten Dakars, the business leader knows how difficult it is to find a place of choice on the finish line. “There have been significant developments in recent years, both in the drivers and in their equipment.” Disappointed with his year 2024, Philippe Boutron hopes to start 2025 under better auspices.
To be continued. Number 423. Can-Am Maverick R, SSV1.
