Great Wall to compete in Dakar Rally

Dong Ming, vice president of the firm, and Zhou Yong, signed driver of Great Wall, attended the event. Photo: Shi Jierui

The Great Wall "Haval SUV Loong Racing Team" launched the 2011 Dakar send-off ceremony and Soul Dakar opening ceremony on the 8th China (Guangzhou) International Automobile Exhibition Monday. Dong Ming, vice president of the firm, and Zhou Yong, signed driver of Great Wall, attended the event.

It will mark the first time for Great Wall to participate in the Dakar Rally on behalf of China, filling the gap of a Chinese brand. Early this year, the company started to remodel its racing cars and its logistics supporting system, facilities and personnel for the racing team. Dong Ming said that "three support cars and two service cars will be assigned to the event in 2011 to completely guarantee a smooth operation of the racing team".

At the send-off ceremony, Zhou Yong showed himself carrying the flag "Team China". He said, "For every driver, it is an immense honor to drive the car of his own country to challenge an international top-notch event. Dakar Rally is an extraordinarily tough and hazardous event. But I don't feel lonely or fearful; I will drive the Haval SUV to show the world Great Wall's solidity."

Dong Ming and Zhou Yong jointly started the "Soul Dakar" online wish-giving event. It was learnt that 99 prizes would be granted for the event, including the 400.000th Haval SUV that will be displayed in the news conference of "My Haval, My Dakar" to be held in Beijing.

The next edition of the Dakar Rally will take place on January 2, 2011.