More than 100 People are Expected at the Startline of the Budapest-Bamako, Trans-Sahara Rally

The Budapest-Bamako rally will race from the capital of Hungary to the capital of Mali on December 26th raising money for impoverished children in Mali.

Budapest, Hungary (PRWEB) December 13, 2005 -- There are only two weeks left for the participating teams of the Budapest-Bamako 2005 to get ready for this extraordinary trans-Sahara rally. The race will set off from Hero’s Square in Budapest on December 26 at 8 AM. Forty two teams are expected to line up, including two motorcycle riders and an ATV rider.

The B2 was created for those who have always dreamt of joining a more prestigious trans-Sahara rally, but never had the proper funding. The Budapest-Bamako (B2) promises the thrills and spills of a true African driving adventure. "This is a race for fearless adventurers and enthusiastic amateurs ", said Zoltan Dulai co-organizer of the race. “We're a cross between the Cannonball Run and the Dakar,” added Mr. Dulai. In fact none of the participants have ever competed in an event similar to this one.

The caravan will travel 7623 kilometers (4,770 miles) through Hungary, Austria, Slovenia, Italy, France, Spain, Morocco, Mauritania and Mali. The finish will take place on January 9th 2005 in front of the Kempinski Hotel in Bamako. The emphasis will be on navigation, special geo-caching exercises and endurance. In addition to completing the transcontinental course in 15 days, teams will also have to search for hidden treasure in the Sahara, locate a top-secret UFO landing pad and distribute toys and medicine to poor children in Mauritania and Mali.

There's a racing and a touring category. In touring category the goal is not to be the fastest, but to make it to the finish line and collect points in the geo-caching and humanitarian challenges. Most of the competitors are from Hungary, but there are teams from the United States, Russia, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Italy and India.

The Indian competitor, Aravind Patel Kumar is proud to represent his nation. “Indians are underrepresented in motor sports. I’m excited about this race and I think we have a very good chance of winning.”, told Mr. Kumar. His team mate is veteran Russian rally driver, Pavel Smirnov. They’ll be competing in the Budapest-Bamako in a Russian made Lada 1500.

Drivers are expected in the following cities on these dates:

Venice, Italy December 26
Meureuil, France December 27
Murcia, Spain December 28
Tangier, Morocco December 29
Essauira, Morocco December 30
Tiznit, Morocco December 31
Laayoune, Morocco (Western Sahara) January 1
Dakhla, Morocco (Western Sahara) January 2
Noudhibou (Western Sahara) January 3
Nouakchott, Mauritania January 4
Kiffa, Mauritania January 5
Kayes, Mali January 7
Bamako, Mali January 9

Quick facts at a glance:
Distance: 4,770 miles (7632km)
Number of participants: 102 people, 42 teams
Categories: Racing & Touring
Average daily driving: 315 miles (504km)
Longest section: Venice-Meureuil (700miles 1120km)
Shortest section: Kita-Bamako (112miles, 180km)

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