Good bye Henry
Henry Magne funeral will take place Saturday 
In Henri Magne we lost a good friend, colleague and wonderful person. His funeral will take place, Saturday June 10th, 2006 in his home town 19100 Brive la Gaillarde, at La Collegiale St.Martin.
In all respect to Henri we opened an electronic condolence book for all people wishing to say good bye to Henri Magne. You can send an e-mail to following address:
condolence@mmsp-media.com Funeral
Saturday June 10th, 2006 at 09h15
Ceremony: La Collégiale St. Martin
Place Charles de Gaulle
19100 Brive la Gaillarde
Mitsubishi Motors
Henri Magne found dead in Morocco
Mitsubishi co-driver dies in Morocco
Henri Magne, a long-time member of the
Mitsubishi Ralliart team and co-driver this year at the Dakar Rally to Joan ‘Nani' Roma, was found dead this morning.
Details of his death have yet to be revealed.
The Roma-Magne partnership currently stands third in the
Dakar standings with 11 points. Magne began his career in 1977 taking part in local
rallies before taking titles as a co-driver in 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003.
Giniel de Villiers: “We pushed to the finish for the win”
Interview with Volkswagen factory driver
Volkswagen factory driver Giniel de Villiers from South Africa and his German co-driver Dirk von Zitzewitz mounted the podium as winners of the Rally Transibérico, round three of the FIA Cross Country Rally World Cup, on Tuesday in the shadow of the Casino in Estoril, Portugal. In the Volkswagen Race Touareg the 34-year old Giniel de Villiers, who was second in the Dakar Rally, came out on top in a nail-biting finale with an advantage of 24 seconds over Spaniard Nani Roma (Mitsubishi).
The winners' podium was completed by “Dakar” winner Luc Alphand (France, Mitsubishi), who crossed the finish line 15 minutes behind after 2076 kilometres. The German Matthias Kahle finished fourth on his debut in the Volkswagen Race Touareg with fellow countryman co-driver Andy Schulz.
Interview with Volkswagen factory driver Giniel de Villiers:
What was it like to take your first victory in the Volkswagen Race Touareg at the Rallye Transibérico?
"It was an unbelievable rally. At first I could hardly believe I'd won. On the morning of the last leg we were lying 25 seconds behind Nani Roma. On the first stage we were one second slower, and ten seconds behind him on the second. On the last stage we pushed really hard for the last time. We whittled the gap down to seven seconds just before we swiped a tree. Afterwards we pushed like crazy. All of sudden I saw Roma's dust cloud and hoped that we had pulled back enough time to take the victory. However, it was only at the finish line that I realised we had really won.”
Which developments has the Volkswagen Motorsport team undergone?
"The Race Touareg and also the entire team are getting better and stronger all the time. We have completed several tests since the Dakar Rally, for example for the Rally Transibérico we had a new development in the braking system that worked very well here. However, the Volkswagen Race Touareg and also the Mitsubishi are at a very high-level, so we only make small steps forward. The entire team is extremely motivated and works very hard to squeeze out the last few tenths.”
You were also highly motivated. Where did you squeeze the decisive couple if seconds from during the Rallye Transibérico?
"You should never, ever give up. You have to push until you are within sight of the finish. I've been around in this sport for so long and have experienced this several times. When you do everything possible success will also follow, and this time lady luck was on our side. It was a fight for seconds, and in the end we came away with the spoils. It's absolutely fantastic to be rewarded in this way.”
It was only the second rally with your co-driver Dirk von Zitzewitz. How are you getting on together?
"We really get on very well together. We had a super rally. Dirk did a great job, especially on the first day when he was suffering from dyspepsia on the 255 kilometre long stage and, in spite of this we set the quickest time on the first stage. When we were in the cockpit I was aware that he wasn't feeling well, but Dirk behaved so professionally that I continued and didn't even cast another glance in his direction.”
Does the win give you extra confidence for the 2007 Dakar Rally?
"The Rallye Transibérico was completely different to the
Dakar Rally. However, such a win gives the driver, co-driver and the entire team a boost of self-confidence and fresh motivation. Winning is always a great feeling.”
You currently have a busy schedule. This coming weekend you make a ‘wild card' start in the Volkswagen Polo Cup…
"I'm currently very busy and I enjoy it. Two weeks ago I was invited to the Formula 1 race at the Nürburgring by our team sponsor Red Bull, which was followed by the Rally Transibérico and this coming weekend both my
co-driver Dirk von Zitzewitz and I compete in the Polo-Cup in Oschersleben. I'll experience three different motorsport disciplines in as many weekends. The Polo-Cup race is purely fun for me. I drove the Race-Polo already last year; it's a good little car which is easy to drive. However, this ‘star of tomorrow' series is very tough and the guys and girls are very determined. I'll really have to try hard and make sure that my co-driver doesn't overtake me.”
Brillant victory for Christian Lavieille in the T2 category
Rally Transiberico Nissan Aventure - Finish 
After some suspence, the fourth and final leg of the Rally Transiberico, between Caceres and Estoril, was eventually to reveal the name of the overall winner : Giniel de Villiers. In the T2 category, Team Nissan Aventure kept out of the fight, increasing its lead during each of the three loops. Christian Lavieille and Arnaud Debron claimed the category win, 35 minutes ahead of their nearest rival, Rui Sousa, a well-known Portuguese
driver who was the Champion of Portugal in 2004 and finished second in the Bajas World Championship last year. Moreover, the popular Nissan Aventure duo finished in 8th position overall. A superb performance considering the quality of the field.
While yesterday's leg took place in Spain, the remaining competitors in the 2nd Transiberico Rally returned to Portugal today. The three loops, each 112 km long, were drawn up around the charming village of Castelo Branco. A technical circuit, favouring driving skills, but which hid a number of potential traps for the unwary.
Christian Lavieille, extremely concentrated throughout the three loops, did not give in to the pressure, and was even able to enjoy himself :
« The route was superb. At the start of the timed stage, it was a bit like a WRC stage. The first time round, the track was quite slippery and tricky. Afterwards, there were some faster sections through the olive groves, but the ground was not too rough. It was a real joy to drive a special stage like this one with the Pathfinder. We kept the right pace without pushing too hard. At the end of the first loop, we made some changes to the clutch, as I found the pedal a bit soft. Apart from that, there were no problems with the car. On the second and third times round, I was careful to keep to the right route. I took care not to go too wide in the curves, in order not to slide on the gravel which had accumulated on the outside edges. The third time round, I didn't slow down. Great fun, and no risks whatsoever…
This race was extremely enriching for me, as it was necessary to keep up the pace from the start to the end. Competition was fierce in T2, and there were plenty of local drivers who knew the terrain well. I was ill during the first day, and I had to get to grips with the race. Moreover, this kind of event was totally new to me. But I must say that the organisation was excellent. The road book was well done, and the whole management team was very motivated. It is very pleasant to take part in motorsport in these sorts of conditions. I wanted to get my revenge after our misadventure in Tunisia, and I am very happy to have claimed this result in Portugal, where it was vitally important to score points. Two weeks before Morocco, we are now level with Jean Pierre Strugo in the World Cup classification. I am delighted for the whole team, for Nissan France and for all those who showed their confidence in me. The results are there. We made no mistakes, and Arnaud, once more, did an excellent job. The vehicle had no problems whatsoever. The small settings changes we made to the Pathfinder after Tunisia proved to be efficient, and we will continue to work in that direction. I am very confident for the rest of the season. »
Arnaud Debron, with his usual good humour, savoured this win, but could not help making a joke : « It's always fun to win, but this race was not very exciting for me as far as the navigation was concerned. I prefer the wide open spaces…. Christian was perfect from the start to the finish. The next event is Morocco, where I will be able to show what I can do… »
As for André Dessoude, the « boss » was delighted to see the Nissan Pathfinder cross the finish line : « I think we can say that this Rally Transiberico was a perfect race for us. I am very pleased with the crew and the way they ran this race. Moreover, when the Pathfinder is well driven, it shows that it is an extremely efficient car. It was a real pleasure to watch Christian on the special stages. His style is ‘clean' and delivers as far as the times are concerned. There were really no mistakes at all. We have the ideal crew here. There is some real competition in T2, and we had to fight hard, which makes this victory all the sweeter. There is an excellent atmosphere in the team, and good communication between the crew and the technical team. It is very pleasant to work in conditions like that. As soon as the car gets back to Saint Lô, we will give it a major service to prepare it for Morocco. But I must say that one of Christian's main qualities is that he really takes care of his equipment. The Pathfinder is in extremely good shape. There is not a single scratch on the car…Morale is high, and we will fight until the very end for the title. »
The next event in the World Cup for Cross Country Rallies is the
Rallye ORPI Maroc, from May 30th to June 5th . Once again, the best teams will be taking part, and there will certainly be plenty of competition in the Production category…
De Villiers and Volkswagen win Rally Transibérico
Rally Transiberico : Volkswagen Motorsport - Finish 
The
Rally Transibérico was capped with the first victory for Volkswagen factory driver Giniel de Villiers and his co-driver Dirk von Zitzewitz in the
Volkswagen Race Touareg 2. The South African-German duo staged a thrilling duel with Mitsubishi driver Nani Roma (Spain) through Portugal and Spain during round three of the FIA Cross Country Rally World Cup. On the final 336 kilometre long run from Cáceres in Spain to Estoril in Portugal Giniel de Villiers headed into the final three 112 kilometre stages with a 25 second deficit. On the final stage de Villiers/von Zitzewitz were one minute faster and reached the finish line with an advantage of 24 seconds after a total of 1273 stage kilometres. “Dakar” winner Luc Alphand (
Mitsubishi) crossed the finish line 15 minutes behind in third place.
The 34-year old Giniel de Villiers, who had already scored a brace of second places at the Dakar Rally in January and at the Tunisian
Rally in May, recorded the fastest time together with his co-driver Dirk von Zitzewitz on three of the seven stages and claimed two out of a possible four leg victories.
For the powerful 275 hp 2.5 litre
TDI Diesel powered Race Touareg it was the fourth overall victory within the last 14 months and from a total of 13 rallies. The records show 33 stage victories and 15 podium finishes for the prototypes.
The six-time German Rally Champion Matthias Kahle finished fourth on his debut with the Volkswagen factory team. During his first competition with co-driver Andreas Schulz, who had made his debut for the Volkswagen factory team alongside Carlos Sainz in the Dakar Rally, Kahle constantly improved his times. However, the German lost sight of a podium position on the third stage after he hit a stone and damaged the front right-hand tyre and steering track-rod and lost about 20 minutes after making repairs ‘en route'.
Kris Nissen (Volkswagen Motorsport Director)
"A marvellous day for Volkswagen and the entire team, the squad worked extremely hard during the Dakar Rally and afterwards to improve the Volkswagen Race Touareg even further still. We knew that we could win and we've done it. The team and obviously Giniel and Dirk deserve this win.”
#202 – Giniel de Villiers : 1st position overall
"I'm over the moon. It was a very exciting rally and I pushed right to the end. On the final stage we swiped a tree and lost a few seconds, afterwards we pushed even harder. A big thank you goes to my co-driver Dirk and the entire Volkswagen Motorsport team. Our Race Touareg was simply perfect.”
#202 – Dirk von Zitzewitz, co-driver
"Fantastic, I can hardly believe it. This result is a great reward for the team. For me personally it is the first overall victory as a co-driver. Car, driver and team were unbelievable.”
#204 – Matthias Kahle : 4th position overall
"Congratulations to Giniel! I'm delighted that I had the opportunity to get to know the Volkswagen Race Touareg 2 and the team in competition. Throughout the course of the rally I gradually gained confidence in the car and improved our times from day to day. We drove more kilometres here than in a complete German rally season. I'm still annoyed that I hit a stone on the third day and lost so much time. Since I originate from classic rallying and I competed in only my fourth Cross Country rally here I still find it difficult to read the lie of the land. In contrast, working together with my co-driver Andy Schulz functioned perfectly from the off.”
#204 – Andreas Schulz, co-driver
"Matthias and myself worked extremely well together in the cockpit. It was great that we were able to improve our performance throughout the rally. At the end of the third stage we were very quick, even though we started very late and had to drive for a long time in dust clouds. Since we had a large cushion to both the car in front and behind us we didn't take many risks in the three stages on the final leg.”
Roma loses thrilling rally in final kilometers
Rally Transiberico : Mitsubishi Motors - Finish 
Spaniard Joan 'Nani' Roma and Andorra-based co-driver Henri Magne were deprived of victory on the final kilometres of the final stage of a breathtaking 2nd Vodafone Transiberico Rally, when they lost crucial seconds and the win to arch South African rival Giniel de Villiers, today (Monday).
The Spaniard, who only switched from motorcycle enduro
racing to join the Japanese manufacturer's team at the end of the 2004 season, had increased his 25-second overnight lead to 36 seconds after the fourth leg's first two stages and was cruising to an emphatic win until the last dramatic kilometers. Team mates Luc Alphand and Gilles Picard finished a solid and distant third overall in a second Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Evolution.
"I cannot believe it," said Roma. "I drove a good stage and could not believe that I had lost the race. I am so disappointed. I improved on each of the laps today and set a better time every lap. I was absolutely flat out this morning. I had no option. You know if you make a slight mistake, each second lost is going through your mind. I think this is the hardest I have ever pushed a car since I switched from bike racing.
"When we passed a section which I thought was flat out on the first lap, I told Henri and he made a mental note to modify our road book for the next lap. There were many places where I thought that we could be quicker on the repeat runs."
Alphand and Picard began the day in third place and the Frenchman accepted that it was unrealistic to think about catching his rivals. He slowed to a sensible pace to conserve the car and earned a second podium place for
Mitsubishi, "Today was merely a case of making sure I finished third and not damaging the car, because it is needed for the next race in Morocco," admitted Alphand. "I knew that Nani and Giniel would be pushing hard and there was no way that I could make up eight minutes. The starter problem yesterday was so disappointing. A puncture can happen at any time, but to lose four minutes with that problem really cost us the race. One big positive though was to regain my confidence after the accident in Tunisia."
Today's trio of 112.32 km special stages were located to the north of Portalegre in a rural region to the south and east of Castelo Branco. The special ran in an anti-clockwise direction, started to the west of the town and skirted Vila Velha de Bodao, before heading in a north-easterly direction to a finish near the town. Teams then embarked upon a 254.29 km liaison section across the breadth of Portugal to Estoril.
Roma and De Villiers were inseparable after 16 km of the opening stage, but Roma edged into a seven-second lead at the 49 km point, with Alphand and Kahle trailing well behind. Roma led by 10s after 65 km and nine seconds after 88 km, but De Villiers regained vital seconds over the faster closing kilometers, as Roma reached the finish a mere one second ahead of his rival to extend his lead to 26s. Alphand used the opportunity to try out suspension settings and set the third fastest time, the Frenchman finishing the stage 2m 20s behind Roma.
As the excitement and tension mounted, the leaders embarked upon the second lap. "I was feeling a lot happier before the second lap," admitted Roma. "It is much better when you have seen the stage and know what to expect, but I am sure it was the same for Giniel."
Roma and De Villiers were again closely matched, but Roma managed to edge a further 10 seconds ahead over the sixth stage and headed into the final 112.32 km section with a lead of 36s in the overall standings. Alphand was an untroubled third, 13m 32s adrift.
The drama continued with De Villiers edging seven seconds ahead of Roma at the 16 km point on the final stage. The difference remained the same after 32 km, but Roma had overturned the difference by PC1 and was eight seconds ahead of his rival and 44s to the good with less than half of the stage to complete.
The difference was up to 11s on the stage after 65 km, but De Villiers had overturned the momentum after 88 km and was running 16s in front of Roma. It set the scene for a thrilling showdown, with the Spaniard defending a 20s lead over the closing 24 km. But Roma was unable to hold De Villiers at bay over the final nail-biting kilometers and the South African took full advantage to take the outright lead and victory by the margin of just 24 seconds after nearly 15 hours of racing.
"It was a truly exciting race and one on which the whole team can be proud of their performances," said MMSP's Team President Isao Torii. "I am obviously disappointed for Nani. He did not know where he had lost those seconds at the end of the last stage. He had beaten his first two lap times and is improving all the time as a driver. We must accept this defeat and use it to make ourselves stronger for the next race and for the
Dakar Rally next year."
The 2nd Transiberico
Rally ran over a total route of 2,075.85 km and 1,173.08 km were competitive, with teams tackling a total of seven timed special stages and a super special over four days. Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart Team driver Joan Roma won five specials, including the opening timed super special, while Volkswagen's De Villiers clinched victories on the first, fourth and final stages.
Mitsubishi holds first and fourth after opening stage
Rally Transiberico : Mitsubishi Motors - Prologue
Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart Team drivers Joan ‘Nani' Roma and Luc Alphand held first and fourth positions after the opening timed super special stage of the Vodafone Transiberico Rally, round three of the FIA Cross-Country Rally World Cup, today (Friday).
Spaniard Roma and Andorra-based co-driver Henri Magne tackled the stage behind team mate Alphand and South African Giniel de Villiers and set the fastest time of the day to edge into an 4.5-second lead after the opening leg of the event.
“I was surprised to discover that I had won the stage today,” said a delighted Roma. “I have this problem that I never know when I have driven really fast or not. I know when I feel good and make no mistakes, but when the track is narrow and slow, like today, it is not easy to judge your pace.
“Last year Mitsubishi had an advantage on this type of rally, but each of our rivals have upped their level over the last months and all the top drivers are now very closely matched. That means speeds have increased and we are driving at a higher level. When you make mistakes at this level, the team pays in cash! Mitsubishi and Volkswagen discovered that in Tunisia. We must make sure that we are fast, but also driving at a safe level.”
Frenchman Alphand and co-driver Gilles Picard headed the 87-car international entry into today's stage across military land, near Mafra, north of Estoril, and set the fourth fastest time of 6m 56s in a second Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Evolution.
“Today was just a matter of getting back into the car after the accident in Tunisia and getting the confidence back,” said Alphand. “I am quite happy to be fourth. I did not want to lead the way tomorrow. We opened the stage today and it is never easy being the first car on to the track when you sweep the road.
“This event will be totally different to when we won in Portalegre last year. It will be very difficult to pass on some of the stages we will face over the next three days and everyone wanted a good starting position for Saturday. Rain and mud will not be a factor here, as it was last October, but dust could be a major problem if you find yourself behind a slower car. I am pleased to be behind Giniel on Saturday. We have a similar pace.”
Recent Rally of Portugal winner and local national champion Armindo Araújo teamed up with regular MMSP team co-driver Pascal Maimon to tackle the event in a Mitsubishi L200 Pick-Up, built and run on the event by Mitsubishi Motors Portugal. The pair set the second fastest time behind Roma to hold a fine second position after the opening timed special stage.
Tomorrow (Saturday), the Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart team will tackle the longest competitive leg of the rally, 517.64 timed kilometers, comprising two runs through a 258.82 km selective section between Mora and Evora. Road liaison sections will take teams from Estoril to Mora and on to the overnight halt in Evora, while servicing will be centralised in Mora.
Volkswagen works drivers in Polo Cup
Swapping cars and roles
Asphalt instead of desert sand, a steering wheel instead of the road book: Volkswagen factory driver Giniel de Villiers and his co-driver Dirk von Zitzewitz will be competing as guest entrants in rounds four and five of the ADAC Volkswagen Polo Cup at Oschersleben (19-21 May).
The two offroad experts forming a successful marathon rally team in the Volkswagen Race Touareg 2 will be making their debut as mutual rivals. While Giniel de Villiers as a four-time touring car champion in his native South Africa has plenty of circuit racing experience, the German Dirk von Zitzewitz will be venturing onto truly new territory in this exceptional role change. Prior to this, de Villiers and von Zitzewitz will be contesting the Rally Transibérico – the third round of the FIA Marathon Rally World Cup (12-15 May) – together through Portugal and Spain.
« In marathon rally sport Giniel de Villiers and Dirk von Zitzewitz must deliver perfect team-work while in the touring car each is completely on his own. I wish both of them a lot of fun in this unusual comparison – because that's exactly what this is supposed to be all about, » says Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen, prefacing the contest.
Giniel de Villiers, runner-up in the Dakar Rally in January and, with Dirk von Zitzewitz as his co-driver, runner-up, as well, in the Tunisia Rally in April, will be swapping his Race Touareg for a 150-hp Racing Polo sporting the “Dakar“ livery. « I'm really looking forward to the weekend in the Polo Cup. Last year, already, I was able to compete in the ‘touring car school' and it was great fun, » says the 34-year-old driver from Stellenbosch, who clinched eighth place in his previous guest stint in the Polo Cup. « As an alleged ‘veteran' I will thoroughly enjoy the duels with the many young drivers – in rally sport, the competition is seldom as extremely close as this, » says de Villiers.
Dirk von Zitzewitz is looking forward to his touring car racing debut after getting to know the circuit in the Motorsport Arena Oschersleben during test drives. « The differences between offroad sport and circuit racing are tremendous. While heavy drifting is the rule in one of these two disciplines, a clean line is called for in the Racing Polo. And on gravel slicks don't work all that well anyway, » reports the Northern German with a twinkle in his eye. « I'm very keen on this experience. No doubt Giniel will be quicker than I – if not, then perhaps I should take over the driving in the Race Touareg, as well, » continues the 37- year-old who will be at the wheel of a Racing Polo sporting the colours of Volkswagen Motorsport partner Castrol.
Alphand and Roma in new-look Transiberico Rally
Rallye Transiberico : Mitsubishi Motors - Preview
The Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart Team will be bidding to continue its unbeaten start to the 2006 season, when the French pairing of Luc Alphand and Gilles Picard team up with Spaniard Joan ‘Nani' Roma and Andorra-based co-driver Henri Magne to tackle the Transiberico Rally on May 12th-15th, 2006.
Both crews will drive MPR12 versions of Mitsubishi's Pajero/Montero Evolution on this third round of the FIA Cross-Country Rally World Cup. Alphand and Picard were fighting for the lead in the recent Rally of Tunisia, when they made an uncharacteristic mistake and Alphand rolled the car into retirement. But the defending Dakar Rally champions are determined to return to winning ways in Europe after taking victories in Dakar and South America this season.
“This event will not be easy, but it offers me an excellent opportunity to get back into winning ways after the setback in Tunisia,” said Alphand, the joint leader of this year's FIA Cross-Country Rally Drivers' Championship with Mitsubishi team mate Stéphane Peterhansel. “I am looking forward to competing here. I won the Baja Spain a few years ago and Gilles and I won the Baja Portalegre in Portugal last October, so we have a proven record on this type of terrain.”
Roma and Magne last competed for Mitsubishi to take second overall in the Patagonia-Atacama Rally back in March, but they have a good track record together in a relatively short space of time and won last summer's Baja Spain – their first win as a partnership for the Mitsubishi team - over similar special stages to those they will face in the Transiberico Rally.
They are both brimming with confidence and relishing the prospect of taking a second win together so close to home. Roma is determined to maintain his progress on four-wheels since switching from a triumphant career on a motorcycle, while Magne is one of the most experienced co-drivers in cross-country rallying and won the Baja Vodafone Portugal in 2003 and 2004 and finished third back in 2001.
‘We have made a very good winning start to this season and I have every confidence that we can win again on the Transiberico Rally,” said MMSP's Team Director Dominique Serieys. “We proved in Tunisia that we still have the competitive edge over our rivals, but everyone is improving all the time and we need to continue our momentum this season if we are to be successful on the Dakar Rally in 2007.”
The new-look Transiberico Rally ran for the first time in 2005 and is organised by Club Aventura. Like its predecessor, the Baja Vodafone Portugal, the event uses remote rural farm tracks, forests, several river crossings and hilly terrain in Portugal and a new route in Spain.
Mitsubishi has been the most successful manufacturer in recent seasons on the Baja Portugal, with Lisbon's Carlos Sousa taking victory for the Japanese manufacturer on five occasions between 1999 and 2004. Last year's inaugural Transiberico Rally was won by Filipe Campos in a Nissan.
This year's new-look Transiberico Rally will be held in Portugal and Spain and consists of 1,200 km of special stages in a 2,000 km route. After scrutineering and documentation at the Estoril race circuit, near Lisbon, on Thursday, May 11th, teams will tackle a timed ‘super special' stage at Mafra, 30 km from the circuit, on Friday, May 12th.
Leg two – the first of three further punishing legs in Portugal and Spain - will begin on Saturday, May 13th, after a 140 km road liaison section between Estoril and Mora. The leg will be made up of two runs through a 250 km special stage. Both specials will be split by a refuelling, servicing and a regrouping halt. Following the second stage an 80 km liaison will take teams to the overnight halt in Evora.
Leg three, on Sunday, May 14th, runs between Evora and the Spanish heritage city of Cåceres and will also offer a pair of 200 km special stages after a 130 km road liaison into Spain. The fourth and final leg on Monday, May 15th begins with a 130 km road section back into Portugal and includes two special stages near the town of Castelo Branco. A 250 km road section will take teams back to Estoril on Monday evening.
Source: Mitsubishi Motors
Christian Lavieille wins the Production category
Christian Lavieille wins the Production category
The final special stage, including a 293-km timed sector between Ksar Ghilane and Djerba, must have seemed very long to the Team Nissan Aventure crew… However, the beach-front finish, a sign of deliverance for all those still in the race, was an emotional moment. Christian Lavieille and Arnaud Debron, with their Nissan Pathfinder, did not hide their delight and satisfaction after seven days of intense competition. Team Nissan Aventure has taken the lead of the T2 Production World Cup, and finished 7th overall. A magnificent performance, especially considering the quality of the field for this event.
This final leg, between Ksar Ghilane and Djerba, was far from being a formality. There were many navigational traps along the route between the olive groves, which could have upset the classification. But it would have taken more than that to discourage our two friends.
Christian reached the finish line, to the applause of his team, relieved to have finished and to have successfully achieved the first stage of his World Cup challenge : « The first part of the stage was quite bad. Afterwards, the route became more technical, and I must say that I enjoyed myself with the Pathfinder in the narrow sections. I am very pleased with our result. We have started our participation in the T2 World Cup in the best possible way. As no-one scored any points in Argentina in the first round, we are now in the lead. I am also extremely happy to have finished 7th overall. Before the start, as well as hoping to win the T2 class, to finish in the top ten would have been a great result, and we've come in seventh. It's fantastic ! I would like to thank the whole Nissan Dessoude team as well as Nissan France, who entrusted me with this task. Thanks to the mechanics who took care of the Pathfinder every evening, without whom we would not be here today, without forgetting André Dessoude and all the support he gave us. This week has been incredible. Of course, I would like to particularly thank my faithful « Nono » for his excellent work, and for his support. Now we will have to work out the rest of the calendar, as the Rally of the Orient has been cancelled, so we have to examine the calendar carefully.»
A smiling Arnaud Debron was far from unhappy… « The final leg was quite close. The navigation was far from easy, but it's great to be here. Christian has driven a fine race, and I am very happy to drive with him. It's the start of the adventure ! »
Team Manager André Dessoude was relieved. His ‘ protégé' crossed the finish line without any problems : « Christian put in a perfect race. He adopted a very reasonable pace, he pushed when he had to, but most importantly he took care of the Pathfinder. The vehicle is intact. He has the potential to go fast, but can be cautious when it is necessary. I think he has understood the T2 philosophy. Arnaud is full of good advice for Christian, as, it must be remembered, he has already won the Production World Cup with a certain… Luc Alphand. For me, the duo formed by Christian and Arnaud makes an ideal partnership. There are plenty of exchanges of ideas between the team and the crew, and everything always makes sense. I am really happy about that. »
The next round of the World Cup for Cross Country Rallies will be the Transiberico Rally (Portugal-Spain) from the 11th to the 16th May, followed by Morocco in early June.
Volkswagen and Jutta Kleinschmidt go their separate ways
But Sainz and De Villiers are confirmed 
Volkswagen discontinues cooperation with Jutta Kleinschmidt. The contract signed in 2002 with the former factory driver expired on 31 January 2006; it was not possible to agree to an extension.
"Volkswagen opened negotiations, which were concluded recently, with Jutta Kleinschmidt and in particular her management immediately after the finish of this year's Dakar Rally. We were unable to agree mutual terms for a continuation of our cooperation”, explained Kris Nissen, Volkswagen Motorsport Director.
Born in Cologne, she changed to Volkswagen following her victory at the 2001 Dakar Rally. The 43-year old recorded her greatest moment in the Volkswagen Race Touareg 2 last year when she finished third in the "Dakar”.
"Jutta Kleinschmidt made an important contribution, to date, to the success of Volkswagen's ‘Dakar' project through her driving ability, her specific know-how, but also her personality”, says Kris Nissen "We thank Jutta for her input and wish her all the best for the future.”
Volkswagen continues its Cross Country Rallying programme and will compete again in the 2007 Dakar Rally. The two-time Rally World Champion Carlos Sainz from Spain and the South African Giniel de Villiers are confirmed as drivers for the proposed four car Race Touareg 2 works team.
Volkswagen finished second overall at the Dakar Rally in January with Giniel de Villiers, in 2005 Volkswagen won the FIA Cross Country World Cup with the Frenchman Bruno Saby.
In Henri Magne we lost a good friend, colleague and wonderful person. His funeral will take place, Saturday June 10th, 2006 in his home town 19100 Brive la Gaillarde, at La Collegiale St.Martin. 
