The Yamalube Yamaha Official Rally Team of Adrien Van Beveren, Xavier de Soultrait, Franco Caimi and Rodney Faggotter are all-set for the most demanding challenge on the annual rally calendar. In what's expected to be the toughest Dakar in recent years, the Yamaha quartet will be proudly carrying a special Ténéré 700 World Raid livery on their WR450F Rally machines.

Under the guidance of team director Alexandre Kowalski, team manager José Leloir and highly-experienced sport manager Jordi Arcarons the quartet of Yamaha riders head to South America looking to improve on last year's highly positive performances. Their ultimate goal is to challenge for the podium and successfully complete the hugely demanding event.

Following a stellar performance in 2017, which saw him end his Dakar Rally adventure fourth and less than one-minute behind a potential podium result, Adrien Van Beveren is looking to finish even higher in 2018. Building his speed following injury early on during the 2017 season, the Frenchman is now at the top of his game and ready to do battle in South America.

Making a strong statement throughout 2017 following his "Merzouga Rally" victory and top three result at the "Desafio Ruta 40", Xavier de Soultrait has demonstrated he has what it takes to battle on equal terms with the rally elite. Completing more than 20,000km of racing during the 2017 season, the Frenchman will be a strong asset for the Yamaha official team at the upcoming Dakar.

Demonstrating impressive speed in his first event aboard the WR450F Rally, team rookie Franco Caimi wrapped up the 2017 Merzouga Rally with an impressive third place overall result. Winning stages and continuing to improve during the season, the young Argentinean will be pushing for stage victories at the 2018 Dakar while gaining further rally racing experience.

The team is completed by Rodney Faggoter. Entering his second Dakar Rally aboard WR450F Rally machinery, the Australian is looking to make the most of his experience and mechanical aptitude to assist the team and get as close to the top five as possible.

Honouring the imminent return of one of the most successful motorcycles ever, the team's four WR450F Rally machines will be proudly wearing the Ténéré 700 World Raid name and graphics throughout the 2018 Dakar Rally.

Yamaha Italy supported Alessandro Botturi and highly experienced racer Camelia Liparoti will further strengthen the brand's presence at the 2018 Dakar Rally. With Botturi entering his seventh Dakar Rally next January, Liparoti will make a debut appearance in the SSV class in Yamaha's YXZ1000R side-by-side machine.

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