Lu Ningjun, leading Chinese teams in the Dakar

• Source: Agencies
• [09:33 January 20 2010]
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Lu Ningjun carefully examines his off-road vehicle regularly.

"The modified version can be totally different from the original one. The brakes are more dependable. The wheels hold the road more forcefully. And the shock absorbers are more powerful so jolts can be reduced. Generally we are faster and safer than other such vehicles."

Nevertheless, the Dakar Rally is still cruel and dangerous. Many drivers have been killed, including Lu Ningjun's team member and friend, Xu Lang. From all the six years' experience, Lu has learnt that every accident can be fatal.

He recalls the anxiety he felt after he was dragged from the sand after his vehicle sunk there.

"It's very dangerous. I sat in the cockpit. My car was linked to the truck in front by rope. I was very anxious at that moment, because it was very much like Xu Lang's accident. Once the rope pulled apart under the strain, the heavy hook bounced back from the truck and hit me on the head. It was no joke."