The 2016 Dakar Rally began on 2 January with the traditional starting podium in Buenos Aires. The contenders than took part in a short 11 km prologue to establish the starting order for the first stage, before crossing the connection to 'bivouac 0' close to Rosario.
The many teams supported by Motul maintained their rank in this warm-up. Spaniard Joan Barreda emerged in the lead in bike, riding for factory team Honda Racing. Meanwhile, his French team-mate, Michael Metge, bagged an encouraging 5th time, just ahead of local man, Kevin Benavides, riding for Honda South America Rally Team.
Satisfaction also dominated at Sherco TVS Racing. Alain Duclos came 20th and Joan Pedrero arrived five places behind. 'First special without any major problem, the aim was to get your bearings,' commented Nicolas Chaix, manager of the team from Nimes. 'On only 11 km of timed sector you can't win much but you can lose a lot.'
In Quad, Brian Baragwanath was an excellent 7th in Rosario on his Yamaha for team Rhide South Africa. The Japanese Miura and Team Land Cruiser Toyota Auto Body came 51st in Car and the best Polaris was 56th in the expert hands of Brazilian Torres. Some spectators were unfortunately injured when a Mini came off the road.
