The Dakar Rally’s Unexpected Enemy: Technology
The Dakar Rally has faced numerous challenges over the years, but this year’s event has introduced an unexpected enemy: technology. The motorcycle category has been plagued by issues with the digital roadbook, a tablet designed to guide pilots through the course. While the idea behind the digital roadbook is innovative, its implementation has been marred by problems that have affected not only the competition but also the safety of the pilots.
The Digital Roadbook: A Key Element with a Flawed Execution
The digital roadbook, developed by the French company ERTF in collaboration with ASO, the organizer of the Dakar Rally, was intended to replace the traditional paper roadbook. The tablet allows for the delivery of the route book just minutes before the start of each stage, preventing teams with more resources from gaining an advantage by studying alternative trajectories. However, the device has been plagued by issues, including failures, incorrect readings, and a lack of warning for dangers on the route.
Pilots Speak Out Against the Digital Roadbook
Several pilots, including Daniel Sanders, Nacho Cornejo, and Luciano Benavides, have spoken out against the digital roadbook, citing its unreliability and the risks it poses to their safety. Sanders, the current leader of the Dakar Rally, has experienced problems with the tablet in the last two stages, including a penalty of eight minutes due to a speed trap error. Benavides has been more vocal, stating that the system is “very dangerous” and that it makes them “risk their lives.”
Castera Defends the Digital Roadbook
David Castera, the director of the Dakar Rally, has defended the digital roadbook, stating that it has not affected the overall classification of the rally. However, he acknowledges that there have been problems and that the organization is working to correct them. Castera also suggests that teams will tend to blame the tablet for their sporting problems, rather than taking responsibility for their own mistakes.
A Meeting to Address the Issue
KTM has requested a meeting with the organization and the rest of the teams to discuss the issues with the digital roadbook and find a solution. The meeting is scheduled to take place on the rest day, and it is hoped that a resolution can be found before the problem becomes decisive for the outcome of the rally.
