Punishing terrains, extreme climate and endurance conditions, stages covering 9000 kilometres over 13 days in front of 4.6 million spectators, 1200 hours of TV coverage across 190 countries, hundreds of competitors from all over the world, cars, bikes, quads and trucks. The Dakar Rally is known to all as the toughest of motorsport events, and for very good reason.
At an official press conference for the event in Paris on 22 March 2017, Motul’s involvement with the Dakar in recent years was raised to the next level with confirmation that it has been named as official lubricant partner to the event, which celebrates its 40th edition in 2018.
Through its partnerships, Motul achieved 2017 success with factory teams in two categories: T2 with Toyota Auto Body and SSV with Polaris Xtremeplus. These successes add to the long roll call of Dakar victories, the highlight being the 1989 win in the Bikes category for the Honda Factory Racing team that carried Motul’s colours. This enduring relationship with the Honda Dakar team saw Motul maintaining support for the factory squad this past January, a favourite in the motorbike category.
Motul has been working with the ASO team to finalise its 360-degree activation plan for the Dakar, beginning with the 2018 edition. The plan, to be unveiled in due course, will contain a strong focus on the numerous fans of the Dakar as well as its competitors.
The latter will benefit from the use of Motul’s Motorsport Line (cars) and Factory Line (motorcycles) product ranges, among which is 300V, the engine oil with proven performance and reliability specially developed for the extremes of motorsport competition.
During the weeks of the main event itself, competitors will be able to count on the advice and expertise of Motul’s Motorsport Technical Team which usually works in MotoGP, WSBK and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and which, for the Dakar Rally, will be present at every bivouac.
Hélène Zaugg, Motul head of communication, commented: “Motul has been involved for several decades in the most extreme forms of competitive motorsport, particularly in endurance racing. Following on from the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Tourist Trophy on the Isle of Man, the Roof of Africa in Lesotho and the Carrera Panamericana in Mexico, what could be more natural for Motul than a direct link with the Dakar?”
“A fabled event since 1979, universally recognised as the ultimate test for men and machines, there is no doubt that the Dakar will be a tremendous showcase for the quality of our products which are now available in more than 160 countries. Together with the ASO and the competitors, the men and women of the Motul Group are ready to make their mark on the next chapter of the incredible Dakar story.”
Throughout the years, Motul has gained experience as an official supplier to many racing teams and manufacturers and contributes with them to further technological development in motorsports.
In addition to the Dakar, the French firm is supporting those teams in international competitions such as 24 Hours of Le Mans (cars and motorcycles), FIA World Endurance Championship, IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship, Super GT, Drift, Pikes Peak, Japanese championship Super Formula, Blancpain Endurance Series, Tour Auto, Le Mans Classic, MotoGP, World Superbike, World MX, FIM Endurance World Championship, IOM TT, MOTUL FIM Ice Speedway Gladiators World Championship and Roof of Africa. 
