Faggotter top Aussie at 2013 Dakar

This was only Faggotter's second attempt at the event. Forced to withdraw after Stage 5 last year, Faggotter brought experience this time around, and that paid off in the rocky trails, dunes and empty plains of Peru, Chile and Argentina.

Racing for the Europe-based HFP Yamaha team, Faggotter battled his way through the 15 day event, scoring a best stage result of 13th (Stage 4) and regularly finishing inside the top 30 riders in a field of almost 200 entrants in the motorcycle category.

With each stage length varying from 500 to 1000kms, Faggotter overcame starting the event towards the rear of the field, but picked off riders each day and impressed many as he fought and clawed his way up the leader board. Rod also balanced the demands of physical endurance, terrain reading, bike control and navigational skill that are crucial to completing the Dakar, which is regarded as the World's toughest rally.

Finishing in 14th place, 2 1/2 hours behind race winner Cyril Despres, Rod's result was in the top three Yamaha riders, and was also the highest finish for an Australian in this year's event.

"What a tough and challenging event," Faggotter said at the completion of racing. "Every day there was a new challenge, whether it be the course, learning to read the maps, the other riders, cars or quads and then just the physical and mental pressure of staying focussed and on the job every time you get on the bike."

"The last few days were really tough as the course had some extremely technical sections and fatigue was a real factor for everyone," Faggotter added. "Thankfully, I was able to keep it together, get through each day the best I could and we got to the finish line. I'm pretty relieved right now and looking forward to a couple of days rest."

Faggotter, and the other two members of the HFP Yamaha team, were all YZ 450F mounted, with all three riders finishing inside the top 14. If there was ever a doubt regarding the durability and performance of the YZ 450F, then the 2013 Dakar proved the Yamaha motocross machine is as tough and reliable as they come.

"I don't really recall any major issues with the bike other than the ones I inflicted on it," Faggotter laughed. "I had a few crashes out there and bent and twisted a few things up, but the bike kept on going perfectly and I really enjoyed racing it in these conditions."

"I also want to thank the HFP team for their support in the lead up and throughout the event. Having an experienced and knowledgeable team behind you makes my job on the bike so much easier. Yamaha Australia has also been a huge help in getting me into this position, so again, thank you to them."

Yamaha Australia's Ray Howard offered, "On behalf of Yamaha Motor, I would like to congratulate Rod on a sensational effort in this years' Dakar event. To finish the event is an accomplishment in itself but Rod rode exceptionally well and to finish 14th in this event is an amazing feat. It was a job well done and he has earned himself a couple of days rest and hopefully he can back in 2014 and crack the top 10."

Rod is due back in Australia in the next few days where he will start preparations for his 2013 domestic season as the spearhead of the Yamaha Desert Racing team. He will compete in a range of events throughout the year including the Australasian Safari and Condobolin 750.

2013 Dakar Results - Motorcycle

1st Cyril Despres (KTM) - 43.24.22

2nd Ruben Faria (KTM) - 43.35:05

3rd Francisco Lopez (KTM) - 43.43:10

4th Ivan Jakes (KTM) - 43.48:16

5th Joan Pedrero (KTM) - 44.19:51

6th Olivier Pain (Yamaha) - 44.30:52

7th Helder Rodrigues (Honda) - 44.35:44

8th Javier Pizzolito (Honda) - 44.50:29

9th Frans Verhoeven (Yamaha) - 44.50:57

10th Paulo Goncalves (Husqvarna) - 44.52:42

14th Rod Faggotter (Yamaha) - 45.54:58