Source: website Dakar Future Mission 1000 | Since its inception in the 2021 Dakar event, the Dakar Future program has made significant progress. Manufacturers like Audi are vying for victory with hybrid vehicles, while others such as BRX, ASTARA, and X-RAID MINI are increasing their utilization of synthetic fuels. As a multitude of projects gain momentum and approach maturity, the year 2030 remains the goal for widespread integration of alternative energies in the Dakar race. The Mission 1000 challenge will serve as a catalyst for this aspiration.

This new initiative has been launched to push the boundaries of technology within the Dakar topography. A 100 km section has been designated exclusively for testing purposes, separate from the rally stages and adding up to a total of 1,000 km. This allows manufacturers to evaluate the effectiveness of potential technical options for future use. While it is not meant to be a competition, certain criteria have been established to challenge the vehicles and keep the riders and drivers on their toes. Mission 1000 has selected three types of engines for this venture:

• fully electric
• fully hydrogen-powered
• hybrid technology

Tacita

Tacita is participating in this edition of the race with their Tacita Formula Corsa team and two riders, Frenchman Sylvain Espinasse and Italian Oscar Polli. The team consists of skilled mechanics and experts in electric and electronic systems. Alongside Pierpaolo Rigo and Luca Oddo, respectively President and CEO of Tacita, the team also includes Luca Calafati, Luca Sardo, Nicolas Chiax, Franck Boulisset, and Nico Marchesi. Together, they are ready to compete with two motorcycles and showcase their talents on the track.

Sylvain Espinasse: “I thrive on challenges, which is why I did three different Dakar races. The new electric motorcycle is a huge technological advancement and A.S.O.’s Mission 1000 is only the beginning. It’s a great platform for launching projects and gaining media attention. We are writing history and our goal is to complete the entire route set by A.S.O., showcasing the motorcycle’s capabilities. In just six months, we have made major changes to the motorcycle as electric technology rapidly evolves. Through the Dakar Future, we are demonstrating our sensibility and dedication to working with clean energy sources.”

Equipped with a new frame and a cutting-edge balance of battery packs for improved weight distribution, these bikes weigh 180 kg and can reach an intentionally limited top speed of 150 km/h. Follow Tacita’s desert road adventures on their blog >

Oscar Polly: “I run a motocross and enduro school that let me train all year round, especially when I go to Tunisia twice a year to train customers and professional riders. Winning is not an option, it’s a choice and a commitment, but this time our goal is also to finish the race and keep on working electric motorbikes and sustainability.”

“We can count on a great number of supporters and fans of our motorbikes,” comments Pierpaolo Rigo, President of Tacita. “We have an international audience that encourages us on a daily basis, and we thought it appropriate to dedicate to them, and to anyone who wants to follow us, a live-news space that will report day by day on the Tacita adventure at Dakar. It is a way for us to feel closer and hear everyone’s support. We are sure that we will share a unique and unforgettable experience” Rigo concludes.

Arctic Leopard

Jack Cai, CEO of Arctic Leopard, debuts in Dakar 2024 with a high-performance electric offroad motorcycle. French veteran Willy Jobard approached Jack for a collaboration in the Dakar Future Mission 1000 challenge. Willy, Jack and his compatriot Wenmin Su will be riding the Cheetah E-XE880, an electric motorbike from Jack’s own company. Jack was inspired by the Dakar Future Mission 1000 challenge and hopes to revolutionize the industry with zero-emission vehicles.

Jack: “I set up the Arctic Leopard Company to build my ideal offroad motorcycle. And the best way to test a high-performance bike is to race it, because only a good racing vehicle can achieve good results. The Dakar is the greatest event in motorsport. For a company that was only established two years ago, taking part in the Dakar’s Mission 1000 challenge is a great opportunity.”

Willy Jobard: “Our goal is to successfully complete all stages of the race without facing any obstacles. Mission 1000 serves as a test for us, a chance to showcase our technological capabilities and move beyond traditional thermal engines. I enjoy working on unique projects like this one.”

Wenmin Su: “The Mission 1000 project is playing a key role in promoting the development of electric motorsport. Whether it’s the improvement of product quality or the development of future technologies, I’m very happy to be contributing to the next step in Chinese motorsport.”

© Pictures: Instagram/Facebook Arctic Leopard | Tacita | website Dakar Future Mission 1000