To survive and finish the 2018 Dakar Rally safe and sound is the first challenge that Ecuadorian driver Sebastián Guayasamín set for himself. In his fourth experience in the race, which for many is the most difficult and dangerous in this discipline, he set a high goal: "To be in the top five of my category (T1.S)."

The race will take place between January 6 and 20 next year. It will start in Lima, Peru, and finish in Córdoba, Argentina, but will also cross Bolivian territory. There will be 9,000 kilometers divided into 14 stages, with a rest day on January 12 in La Paz.

"The Dakar is an unpredictable race, it is difficult to guarantee a result, and I am clear about that," said the athlete, referring to the difficulty due to the multiple abrupt changes in climate, temperatures, terrains, altitudes, plains, and more.

However, the pilot - who will race in a Chevrolet Colorado - has a hidden ace up his sleeve to achieve his goal: "The idea is to maintain a good pace in the five desert stages in Peru. Not to risk too much because the dunes are unpredictable. And to arrive in La Paz with a good rhythm," he said.

In Bolivia, he said, he will bring out his full potential. "There I feel more comfortable, I have an advantage due to my lung capacity, since I train at more than 4,000 meters of altitude," he said optimistically.

"Under those conditions, I hope to gain an advantage and be among the top 30 in Bolivia," he said.

Then, "when we enter the 'hell' in Argentina, where it is run at around 45 degrees, I must arrive with energy to fight for my category and be able to place myself in the top five. But, the main objective will be to survive and finish the Dakar," he added.

Of the three times he has competed in the Dakar, the Ecuadorian did not finish the first two and last year he finished in 20th place in his category and 45th overall.

Guayasamín's navigator will be the Argentine Mauro Lípez, and the sports director, the Colombian Mateo Moreno. The car is heading to Lima.

40 Dakar races
The Dakar Rally will celebrate its 40th edition in 2018. The last 10 have been held in South America. Sebastián Guayasamín will compete against 100 drivers in the T1.S category. (D)