From 5th to 19th Janurary, 2024, the 46th edition of the Dakar Rally unfolded, captivating motorsports enthusiasts and professionals alike. Covering 5,000 kilometers across 12 stages from east to west, the rally culminated in Yanbu, nestled along the shores of the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia.
Thomas Robineau, French vice-champion in circuit truck racing and a driver for the Robineau team, seized the opportunity to participate in the rally. He stepped in for driver Sylvain Besnard in the RIC Rallye Assistance Team, accompanied by his co-driver Sylvain Laliche and mechanic Jérémie Gimbre. Their mission? To assist the Toyota Auto Body team by following two Toyota cars with their truck and swiftly intervening in case of breakdowns.
The course was very hilly, and a good knowledge of mechanics was required, which didn't displease Thomas. After all, he is currently in charge of Garage ROBINEAU in Soulitré, part of the TOP TRUCK network in France.
Their mechanical expertise proved indispensable during the rally. For instance, during stage 2, the team encountered a puncture, and by stage 5, they found themselves atop a dune's crest, facing yet another challenge.
