“I don’t want Ferrari and luxury, I want Dakar.”

He was the star of one of the most memorable action of Dakar 2022. Gerald Fares (March 24, 1979, Manretha) I had a dream of my life in front of me. We won the Dakar. He faced the final stage with a 1’41 advantage over team leader Austin Jones.That day He remained at a standstill at one point until he left the Dakar in the hands of his partner. was second. What would have happened if Gerard had refused the team orders and had won the Dakar?The moment you betrayed the team that trusted you, they wouldn’t have taken me back to Dakar. As it showed my lack of professionalism, neither did the other team. ”guarantees Fares to MD.

But with that gesture, the 43-year-old driver achieved his most important victory of returning to the Dakar in 2023. Team boss Scott said tearfully as they crossed the finish line. I’m here. ”

Year after year: this is how Dakarian lives

To understand Fares’ gestures, you need to know the lives of most pilots. “People charging to run can be counted on the fingers of our hands,” he says.

Whoever has won the Dakar podium with his bike, has been the best Spanish bike for three years in a row, and has been on the Dakar podium two more times in four Side by Side entries, should live life. You may think so. Participation in Dakar is guaranteed. But it’s not. Gerald embodies what many pilots go through.

Those with tickets will pay to go to Dakar, and some, like Juarez, will be able to attend for free due to the professionalism shown throughout their career. Nothing is gained by running. But being in Dakar allows him to live.

“I live from the fact that I can run, the fact that it doesn’t cost money. pay, train, race, and live. This is all thanks to the team and sponsors. ” At the same time, Dakar opens another door for him. He gives driving classes for other pilots, lectures for companies, and motorcycle classes for kids.

Accept “year by year live”. Nothing will change in that life. “My dream is to win the Dakar.

Fares lives in an apartment in Manlieu and smiles as he recalls a family vacation where he slept in a van with his two daughters and wife. Nothing fancy. He just wants to enjoy his family and passion.

thought of leaving

He only considered leaving it after two withdrawals in 2015.Anna, if nothing goes wrong, I’m leaving. I don’t run for pay, I run for results.”I was crying, I was in pain. But he got his chance. He signed a string inserter with his team and shined.

He was 8th in the 2016 moto. 3rd place in 20176th in 2018 And he switched side-by-side with the Can-Am team, finishing second in the 2019 Dakar, which he repeated in 2022. Can-Am gave him the chance to perform the difficult 4-wheel jump when they bet on him in 2019. This allowed him to stay alive from his passion. From there to today. He couldn’t afford to pay more than his €300,000 cost to go to Dakar in a car like his. For this reason, having the opportunity to go to Dakar and learn about his life is key to understanding Fares’ decision to hand over his victory to his partner in 2022. “I never doubted it.”remember in MD.

It was cause and effect. And now, with no Austin Jones on the team, the result of that gesture is South Racing Can-Am will return to the 2023 Dakar without a team order. He will be able to fight for victory if the race allows. Gerard is seizing a life-or-death chance.Dakar owes him