Pierre Lachaume et Christophe Crespoa crew from Yvelin, are participating in the Dakar 2025 aboard the Optimus 2.78, a vehicle bearing the colors of TV78. Pierre Lachaume, experienced pilot, took over from Jean-Pierre Strugoemblematic figure of the rally-raid, who chose not to drive this year for the first time in 40 years. The crew’s objective is to integrate the Top 15 of this edition of the Dakar.
January 6, 2025 – Step 2 (continuation and end): awaiting results
January 5, 2025 – Stage 2: the marathon event begins
After an encouraging first day, the Pierre Lachaume – Christophe Crespo crew embarked on the marathon stage of the Dakar 2025. With 1,058 km to godont 967 km of specialthis stage is one of the most demanding of the rally.
A first part under tension
The course, made up of dunes and fast tracks, tested the mechanical resistance of the vehicles and the strategy of the drivers. The duo had to manage their resources without external assistance, while remaining competitive in the 2-wheel drive category.
Self-guided bivouac
At 5 p.m., all the crews had to stop their progress and set up their improvised bivouac in the desert. Without a support team, the drivers had to help each other to carry out possible repairs and prepare for the rest of the race.
???? The results will be known at the end of this second day of racing.
January 4, 2025 – Stage 1: A promising start for the Optimus 2.78
The Pierre Lachaume – Christophe Crespo team, entered on the Optimus 2.78 buggy in the colors of TV78, took the start of the first stage of the Dakar 2025 in 35ᵉ positionafter their performance during the prologue.
A controlled rise
Throughout the special, the two drivers were able to gain places, crossing the finish line in 31st position in the auto ranking. A solid result which also allows them to rise to the 3rd place in the 2-wheel drive category.
In this category, around twenty competitors are vying for the podium, and the battle promises to be tough. The objective remains clear: stay at the forefront.
An extreme challenge ahead
The next stage promises to be one of the craziest of this Dakar: 1,000 km to be covered over two dayswith an obligatory night at 5 p.m. in one of the six improvised bivouacs in the heart of the desert. Without outside assistance, crews will have to help each other repair and maintain their vehicles.
This marathon stage could create significant gaps and mark a first turning point in the race.
January 3, 2025 – Prologue: A successful warm-up
Before tackling the first stage, the drivers competed in the prologue, a short special to establish the starting order for the next day.
The Lachaume – Crespo crew signed a Encouraging 35th placeensuring a strategic starting position. This result allowed them to approach stage 1 with confidence, avoiding the pitfalls of starting at the back of the peloton.
