Zoom David Casteu.

The winner of yesterday's penultimate stage, Frenchman Cyril Despres (KTM), got today's special underway at 07.30 as scheduled. He was followed by Jaroslav Katrinak (KTM), Alain Duclos (KTM), Francisco Lopez (KTM) and the leader of the general standings, David Casteu (KTM).

Slovakia's Jaroslav Katrinak (KTM) has won the last stage of this first Central Europe Rally, 2'05” ahead of Chilean Francisco Lopez (KTM) and 3'35” in front of Frenchman David Casteu (KTM).

Frenchman David Casteu (KTM) has today won the first Central Europe Rally, the inaugural event in the Dakar Series. For the biker from Nice, this is the first victory as an official team rider and a handsome one too, 2'58” ahead of Chilean Francisco "Chaleco" Lopez (KTM) and 19'39 in front of Alain Duclos (KTM), who took advantage of the last special stage to grab the third place on the podium from the winner of the 2007 Dakar, Frenchman Cyril Despres, who finished 14'14” behind the day's winner.

David Casteu : Winner in bike category - “Since I started in 2005 as an official rider, it's true that I've been runner-up to the world champion in 2005, 2006 and 2007, as well as 2nd in the Dakar, so I'd been looking for this first victory for a while. What's more, everyone wanted to win this first Dakar Series rally. I focused all my preparation on that, by doing lots of endurance racing, because I knew that the route would be very technical.

As a result, I was able to make the difference in Romania on the two very technical specials where I really gave it my all. After that, I managed to control the race, my machine and my physical form, not forgetting the psychological side because it wasn't easy. Over the last few miles today, I was saying, “stay focused, you're not there yet! Be careful!” All the more so since I couldn't see how I was positioned in relation to the others, so you think more about your time than about how you should be riding! But now I've done it! I've often carried Marc Coma onto the podium and I've often told him, “one day it will be you carrying me”. So, I've a little thought for him at home today, but I really rode a great race on the bike and I'm absolutely delighted”.

Francisco Lopez : 2nd in bike category - “I'm delighted with this result because it's my first podium finish with the new KTM bike. It was very important for me to achieve a good finish, to gain experience for the next Dakar series race in Argentina. I'm especially happy because I didn't make the slightest mistake during this race, even though the terrain was very technical and therefore very difficult for me, since I had a machine that I wasn't familiar with and which is really different to ride. It gives me a lot of confidence for the future. I'm also delighted for David (Casteu) who is a friend and someone very important to me, even if we weren't being friendly on the rally tracks!”

Press Release ASO