Engine testing is known as the most demanding in the world because, beyond the quality of the pilot, the reliability of the mechanics, and the harsh environment, it requires physical and psychological preparation for explosion protection. Not everyone will be able to emerge victorious from such an extreme adventure. dakarwhich will be experienced for the 48th time from January 3 to 17, 2016, will require pilots to complete almost 8,000 kilometers. To talk about how demanding the Dakar pilots are physically and mentally, MD caught up with Vic Jaume Palau, the fitness and physical trainer who has been in charge of preparing the pilots this time. Nani Roma, Nandu Jubany, Joan Fontand the one who started the love story in Dakar with the pilot Ramon Villa In 1991, when he was competing in car control, Nissan.

“The most important thing for pilots is to stay active and take care of themselves.”

Since then, he has worked with countless adventure pilots, not to mention his work as a physical trainer for sports such as cycling, mountain skiing and roller hockey. Jordi Alcalons, Jerad Juarez or Rosa Romero, wife of Nani Roma. For more than 30 years, in various editions of the Dakar, he said: “We have to apply what we think is good for this sport, outline the physical preparation and provide what elite athletes need. It is a very personal job, each with different characteristics.”

Preparing a professional pilot is not the same. Nani Romafor motor enthusiasts like chefs. Nandu Jubanyspend as much time as possible training. “Nani, for example, has a lot of time to prepare. Apart from physical preparation, he also works on a psychological level and does visual training. He has built a small gym at home to optimize his time. I am preparing a program for him and sometimes we meet at home. vic fitness“It’s different with Jubany. He works long hours, so I go to his house every day if I can. I have prepared a work plan for him. He works in a small gym at home and also plays in the pool. He has had several joint accidents, so it’s working out very well. “And it is he who goes to the gym with Joan Font, and they often go out on their bikes.

“The important thing is that visual and perceptual training is also 100%. The best training is specific training with the car.”

Preparation involves several conditions, such as the professionalism of the driver, his age, and the vehicle used. Car drivers, who sit and put a lot of strain on their lower back, forearms and neck, are different from motorcyclists, who are at much greater risk.

Palau, which started cooperating with three pilots after the summer holidays in a program that will last until December, assures that “the most important thing is that the person is physically active and takes care of himself. There are long hours of giving all in stress and heat. Exposure of the body is very physically demanding, and many amateur pilots are not adequately prepared.” Furthermore, in a race full of dangers and traps like the Dakar, “things happen very quickly and the level of demand is very high.”

“As a physical trainer, I can’t fail even if the driver’s performance doesn’t go well because of me, even if the driver isn’t in good shape.”

Palau emphasizes that it is important for drivers to not only be physically prepared, but also to train with their cars. For example, Nandu has a side-by-side, trains on the circuit and competes in gravel rallies. “The important thing is that visual and perceptual training is also 100%. And this year Nani, who Jaume considers to be very strong, was able to race. The best training is car-specific training.”

Now that the work is done, the question is clear where Jaume Palau could fail in the physical preparation of its drivers. And the answer is also straightforward. “If a pilot’s performance isn’t improving because of me, it means he’s not feeling well. When a pilot is tired, his brain and vision don’t work as well, which can lead to an accident.”

Sainz and Nani are not supermen

At the Dakar, nothing should be left to chance, whether a driver is looking to go down in the sport’s history as one of the best drivers, or whether his sole goal is to finish. For this reason, issues of nutrition and hydration are also important. Palau condemned some drivers not eating and drinking as they should and warned that experimentation during races is prohibited. Pilots must know all the food they will eat during the race and must never improvise to avoid imbalances. For example, I always feed my Nani baby food that is easy to digest and rich in vitamins and minerals.

A stupid mistake, like when it comes to food, can undo all the work done over months. Some people believe in luck, but Jaume Palau only professes a religion of good luck, where drivers and teams follow the plan and pay close attention to everything to avoid accidents, but unfortunately accidents happen all the time in Dakar. So, are Carlos Sainz (63 years old) and Nani Roma (53 years old) seemingly fresh supermen after completing the Dakar? Jaume Palau declares: “No, they have always valued each other. They are physically active people, so they enjoy a high level of fitness.”

Alberto Vergani He is one of the most respected managers in the motorcycle world and has served as the right-hand man to some of the best drivers. Casey Stoner, Marco Melandri or charismatic carlos checa. In recent years, he has collaborated with former MotoGP rider Danilo Petrucci. However, an Italian recently said: Toprak Razgatriol.

The three-time World Superbike Champion is a big inspiration heading into 2026 in terms of novelty. Turk signed with the team pramac yamaha Now that he has become a clear reference player in WSBK, there are many expectations for what he can do in MotoGP. Vergani made this clear in a statement to GPOne. “He can be a problem for other drivers because he has crazy talent.” He also told an anecdote during the Valencia test that reminded him of another World Cup legend, Casey Stoner.

“Stoner once told me this: When you have a bike, think only about that bike and how to ride it as best as you can, because the moment you see another bike you lose energy and you’ve already lost. That’s where Toprak comes in. He told me in Valencia: “This year we had problems because of the chassis.” The moment I stopped complaining and focused on riding and what I could do with my BMW, I solved the problem. Hearing these words of his reminded me of Casey: To me, Razgatlioglu is ‘Stoner the Revenge.’ ”

For Vergani, the important thing for Toprak next year is not the results, but the learnings he must take as he looks ahead to 2027. In 2027, Pirelli will be the World Cup tire supplier and the Turks already have experience with the Italian compound. So this is where you have the most options.

“2026 It will be a season of discovery for him. The bike, tires and circuit will be new. But I believe in his talent and I am sure that he will show everyone what he is capable of, even though Yamaha has not yet reached the level of competition, ”he concluded.

lucas cruz (December 26, 1974, Barcelona) We will show you again. Carlos Sainz toward the goal of victory. The Catalan, a faithful navigator from Madrid, ‘Matador’ What no one else has achieved: 4 titles dakar With four different brands of cars. And now they are trying to increase that number. ford With a car that claims to be more competitive. The Barcelona native emphasizes the driver’s passion and motivation as he continues to seek victory even at the age of 63.

How do you rate the tour?

I think this Dakar will bring a lot of changes in leadership and strategy. That’s because the marathon stages (the first week and another in the second week, with different roadbooks for bikes and cars) require you to think and play strategically, and the days that follow. As for stones, we know it and it’s all a lottery.

Dakar directors said they removed the 48-hour time trial stage this year to avoid a strategy episode like 2025, as no one wanted to win the previous stage and then have the course open the next day.

I think we have the same strategy as last year. There is also no bike track in the marathon stage, so leaving the track open will result in a penalty. And Stage 6 is a 300km day of sand and unremarkable tracks, which I think will complicate navigation a bit and most of all the pace of the guys in front of us.

“I think this Dakar will bring a lot of changes in leadership and strategy.”

lucas cruz

Last year, Al Attiyah stopped to greet fans in front of the finish line on stage and even said he took the opportunity to urinate.

It will happen again. A 300 km special on sand with no trace of the bike in front is quite limiting. Having a car in front of you helps you read the roadbook, but without a bike you don’t get that advantage.

Is it against the spirit of the race?

Yes, but winning takes time. It’s a bit of a philosophy, protecting the vehicle above all else and requiring extreme care during marathon stages. Because assistance on the track is very limited. Must be cold-blooded.

How is Carlos doing before the challenge?

he is motivated We both do thorough preparations, completing our homework before arriving in Yanbu. Carlos is very energetic, very enthusiastic and active in his preparation for this race. It’s not easy and physical preparation is key, but Carlos is doing very well in this respect.

What is the perfect career plan?

Just keep going day by day and in the end the Dakar is a race where whoever wins the fewest stages wins, so being between 3rd, 5th and 7th each day will be a very good option to get a good position in the last few days.

“The Dakar is a race where whoever wins the fewest stages wins. Being around 3rd, 5th and 7th every day will be a very good option to get a good position in the last few days.”

lucas cruz

After that reversal that deprived us of continuing the race, has the whole year of waiting become an eternity?

The advantage is that we were able to take part in a few races in the car, which helped us get into a rhythm and, above all, helped us tune the car. We had new enthusiasm and a lot of motivation and improved both our preparation and the car.

Most of his rivals for the title compete in many World Championship races throughout the year, but Carlos doesn’t need as many tests.

I think between the race and the test we arrived well prepared and everything is clear on how to approach the race and how to face it. This year we conducted three test sessions between Zaragoza and Morocco and competed in the South Africa, Portugal and Morocco rallies. That’s good preparation. Despite having fewer races, we are on the same level as the rest of the teams. The race is very long and each day determines the top position.

Will this be Sainz’s last Dakar?

I don’t understand. I’m not in his head. I don’t know what he’s thinking. I know him, yes, and if he’s on pace and the car works and he’s competitive, why not do another year?

How is he still able to maintain that level at the age of 63?

Because of that mentality above all, and his spirit, his desire, his character, his motivation, physically he feels good, mentally he feels good… and he enjoys it, and that’s the most important thing.

What do you say to people who think this isn’t a sport because a 63-year-old driver is at the top?

All you have to do is to be at the same level all these years and above all, prepare well physically. In recent years. Carlos is a bull and there are few like him. It’s all about the will and desire to work hard to stay prepared and stay on top.

If it’s Sainz’s last Dakar, will it be his last?

I don’t know, but at the moment the Dakar is coming up and I’m going to fight to win.

How did you like the renewal of the Ford Raptor T1+?

There are many changes. When you own a new car (debuted at Dakar 2025), there are always new ideas to improve it, and that’s what’s happening. We spent a full year evolving the machine and now it’s more ready.

Is the evolution very noticeable? How does it feel inside the Ford Raptor T1+ Evo?

The feel from inside the car is good. We’ve done a good job with the suspension, we’ve finished fine-tuning some weak spots in the engine, we’ve improved the aerodynamics, we’ve reduced the weight of the bodywork, and I think all of this has allowed us to make a much better car than last year.

“We will emerge with a much better car than in 2025.”

lucas cruz

The windshield is lighter and more durable. This means they are less likely to break and your vision is less likely to be compromised. And again, go without a mirror. How do you move without a mirror?

Well, we don’t have a rearview mirror, but we do have two cameras in the back and some screens on the inside to give us a better view of what’s going on outside. Previously, visibility was limited because the rearview mirrors were very small and you couldn’t see much due to vibrations. The windshield is made of polycarbonate, which has the advantage of reducing weight on the top of the car and increasing agility.

What happens if my camera breaks down?

Before I hit a tree branch and lost my rear view mirror. So there’s no problem (laughs).

Is it possible to win?

It’s always possible. With official teams you always have a chance to win. We will fight and strive for it, but it will not be easy because our competitors have also worked hard to develop their cars.

“It’s possible to win.”

lucas cruz

It was even harder to think of winning with an electric car like Audi. And you did it. This is a more traditional project.

yes. But for us it’s different. We have a naturally aspirated engine without a turbo, while the rest of our competitors have biturbo engines with a small turbo and a big turbo. This allows for faster response at low revs, and at high revs this turbo is disconnected to compensate for the larger turbo being connected. For us, it makes a difference in terms of reaction and the slower sections are not as advantageous as others, but the average speed of the race is high and I think these small inconveniences can wear off a bit over time. Since it is a fully atmospheric engine, the response will be slightly slower at low speeds, but it will be the same at medium and high speeds.

“We have a fully atmospheric engine, which has a slightly slower response in the low-speed range, but is comparable in the medium-high speed range.”

lucas cruz

Is it one of the closest Dakars you remember in the car and one of the races with the most favorites to win?

When you think about it, there are big differences in the number of drivers and machines compared to previous years.

Who is your rival to defeat?

all. Toyota and Dacia are both in very good positions for victory. I think there will be a lot of leadership changes during the Dakar.

What does it mean to win this Dakar?

Another challenge has been achieved with a new brand. Winning four Dakars with four different brands is already a good challenge because it is very difficult to achieve that with five brands. But it’s difficult and you have to fight hard for it. And we fight.

If not, maybe Nani Roma will win?

Clear. Many people are involved in creating a car like ours, and everyone contributes to the car’s development, increasing its competitiveness to fight on the front lines for victory. If the Ford driver wins, even if it’s not us, it’s a good outcome for everyone.

Good luck.

Thank you very much.