JWANENG: Three-time Dakar Rally competitor, Sebastian Bühler has invited the world's elite bikers to the Toyota Gazoo Racing 1000 Botswana Kalahari Desert Race (TGR1000).
The German made his Mantshwabisi debut over the weekend and believes the race has potential to be a world class event. Bühler made the other half of the two-member team as Hero Motorsport Rally Team made its debut in the race. The Indian manufacturer's team also included TGR1000 eight time champion, Ross Branch. Bühler told Sport Monitor that the world elite bikers would appreciate the Kalahari Desert terrain. “For sure they would enjoy it. There are a lot of spectators and they give us a push so we do not feel alone out there. Overall it is really a nice experience,” he said. Bühler was introduced to a different terrain and was unfortunate not to finish the race.
He had finished second to Branch on day one on Saturday but he collided with a cow on day two on Sunday. “It has been three difficult days of racing, unfortunately I could not finish. I hit a cow on loop two and the bike was damaged and I could not continue. I am happy that I did not get any injuries and happy to be here in Botswana. The race is nothing close to what I am used to. The route is tight and you get hit by the bushes, also there are a lot of spectators but I am really happy to be here,” he said. The biker credited the race for giving him preparation time ahead of the fourth round of the World Rally-Raid Championship. He also received good remarks from his teammate, Branch. ‘The Kalahari Ferrari’ believes he would do better if he returns for the 2024 edition.
“He was excellent. He is not used to this type of racing and it was good to see how well he was doing. He was putting me under pressure most of the time. It was good,” Branch said. The two will head to Namibia today as they get ready for the first Defasio Ruta 40 to be held in Argentina in August.
