The Spanish rally-rookies Óscar Fuertes and Diego Vallejo have completed the Dakar 2018 with their all-new SsangYong TivoliDKR Buggy, based on an Spanish Herrador. "We are destroyed, especially after the efforts of these last stages," said Fuertes after the Rally. "Anyway, both Diego and I can not be happier to have finished this extreme Dakar, which was our great goal!"

The driver from Madrid finished the toughest rally in the world in his first participation and is one of only two Rookies next to Hennie de Klerk from South Africa (VW Touareg V8). Fuertes, second in this classification, fourth place in the category T1.3 (two-wheel drive gasoline vehicles), has also been the third best Spanish car, just behind two legends Carlos Sainz, final winner, and former Biker Isidre Esteve.

"The fact that only two rookies have finished shows the hardness of this edition. I am very proud to have led this classification for several days, although we have finally been second," commented Fuertes.

The success of the SsangYong Motorsport team has required an almost superhuman effort of Fuertes, Vallejo and the team: "The work of all the members of the team has been fundamental to reach the end. The work of my navigator Diego has also been sensational and his experience was essential to reach the finish! A great Thank You," Fuertes added.

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