When X-raid’s three, NGK SPARK PLUG-sponsored car teams put in remarkable performances in the 8,375km, 12-stage Dakar Rally across the spectacular terrains of Saudi Arabia from 1-14 January 2022, X-raid´s navigator Timo Gottschalk, one of the sport’s most respected co-pilots, delivered an insight into the race.
Sharing the MINI John Cooper Works (JCW) Buggy cockpit with Polish driver Jakob ‘Kuba’ Przygoński, German navigator Timo was pivotal in guiding the ‘Orlen X-raid Team’ to sixth place in this year’s Dakar car category – making them the best-placed crew in a rear-wheel drive vehicle. Their fellow teammates also shone, with ‘X-raid MINI JCW Team’ driver Sebastian Halpern and navigator Ronnie Graue achieving eighth place; and ‘Primax X-raid Team’ driver Laia Sanz and her navigator Maurizio Gerini ranking 23rd.
But the skills and endurance of these drivers and co-pilots are only part of the story. Their cars, engines and of course their ignition systems are also put to the ultimate test. This is where X-raid excels, having developed and built off-road vehicles for competition at their site in Trebur near Frankfurt, Germany since 2002. Indeed, Przygoński and Gottschalk’s diesel-fuelled MINI JCW Buggy was built by X-raid under the MINI brand – a model similar to those that previously won X-raid the 2019 FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies as well as the 2020 and 2021 Dakar Rallies. Overall to date, X-raid has scooped 14 World Cup titles and won the Dakar Rally car category six times.
Racing challenges
Backed by that X-raid heritage and with 27 years’ co-driver experience, it’s no surprise then that Timo Gottschalk is one the best off-road navigators in the business. He is also no stranger to the demands of Dakar, having made his debut there in 2007 and winning it in 2011. His move to X-raid in 2018 was specifically for the Dakar Rally. He recalls: “I came to X-raid through [Saudi Arabian rally driver] Yazeed Al-Rajhi. I was his co-driver and we competed in the Dakar in a MINI. Later I switched to Kuba Przygoński in the cockpit.”
The duo have tackled the Dakar Rally together ever since – including the 2021 and 2022 events which, thanks to their timing and location, did not face cancellation due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Other off-road rallies were not so lucky. Timo acknowledges both the disruption caused, and how the sport responded. “When the pandemic started, many rallies were postponed or cancelled,” confirms Timo. “The season was difficult to plan, but that improved last year. All organisers found ways to hold the rallies, including preparing appropriate hygiene concepts. That has worked well so far.”
Navigating the impossible
Nonetheless, the experienced pairing of Przygoński and Gottschalk successfully completed the gruelling Dakar course in only 40 hours 26 minutes – just two hours behind the winning car and five times faster than some rivals.
Their feat is all the more impressive when you consider the extreme conditions involved. Taking place entirely within Saudi Arabia’s borders due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, this year’s Rally took a difficult route from Ha'il to Jeddah, encountering vast chains of sand dunes around Riyadh, as well as the deserts to the south of Saudi Arabia known as the Empty Quarter. Add to this that each stage route is only revealed to teams 15 minutes beforehand, and that GPS, radios and smartphones are banned, and the importance of the co-pilot becomes clear!
Instead, rally raid navigators receive only a ‘road book’ for each stage. This is used, with a digital odometer, to measure precise distances and instruct their drivers on every direction, twist and turn to take. Every moment counts, with no room for error. It’s an extraordinarily intense job that takes not only navigation expertise, but also a strong bond between teammates, crystal clear communication and a cool head under stress. Inevitably, extensive preparation is key, as Timo makes clear: “We try to compete in different rallies during the year. Last season we competed in three events and this year we want to do the Rally Raid World Championship,” he says.
Yet, whilst Timo’s navigation skills certainly match the endless sands of Saudi Arabia, it’s not his favourite terrain. “Saudi Arabia is a great country and offers many opportunities for the Dakar. There are many different deserts here. But just desert,” he confesses. “If I remember South America, there was much more green and more variety of terrain. From my point of view, that was more interesting.”
Becoming a champion
For would-be drivers and co-pilots looking to get into the sport, the seasoned navigator has some practical tips. “If you want to get into cross-country sport with a vehicle, you should start with the side-by-sides as these are still quite inexpensive,” he advises. “Even in the short Baja events, you can already learn a lot without it becoming too expensive. Either way, you need a dedicated co-driver. From there, you can work your way up!”
Looking back at his own career, however, it is not Timo’s 2011 Dakar triumph that is his proudest moment, but a Russian win in 2018. “My highlight was winning the Silk Way Rally, which I drove together with Yazeed,” he reveals. Nonetheless Timo tells us he is keen to compete again in the 2023 Dakar Rally, which once again is set to be held in the Middle East.
We at NGK SPARK PLUG wish the entire X-raid team every success, and many more podium places to come!
SimRacing and the case for race strategy
Read moreNiterra’s first EMEA Karting Grand Final won by Italy’s Michael Capone in Athens
Read moreYou asked Google & Niterra answers! - Part 10: Exhaust Gas & Differential Pressure Sensors - June 2023
The expanding universe of SimRacing - March 2023
You asked Google & NGK SPARK PLUG answers! - Part 9: Engine Speed & Position sensors - February 2023
Behind the scenes at the x-raid rally team - February 2023
You asked Google & NGK SPARK PLUG answers! - Part 8: MAF & MAP sensors
Read moreYou asked Google & NGK SPARK PLUG answers! - Part 7: EGR valves - October 2022
Andy Assmann: Carving out a living as a chainsaw artist - September 2022
You asked Google & NGK SPARK PLUG answers! - Part 6: Exhaust gas temperatur sensors (EGTS) - August 2022
You asked Google & NGK SPARK PLUG answers! – Part 5: Oxygen sensors - June 2022
First NGK SPARK PLUG eSports cup won by German high school student - June 2022
You asked Google & NGK SPARK PLUG answers! – Part 4: Ignition coils, leads & caps - April 2022
'WELL DRIVEN' by James Ford: the evolution of the Mercedes-Benz SL
Read moreThe road trip series – Part 4: A family trip through the south of Spain in a Porsche 968 - December 2021
You asked Google & NGK SPARK PLUG answers! – Part 2: Spark plugs - November 2021
You asked Google & NGK SPARK PLUG answers! – Part 1: Spark plugs - October 2021
‘WELL DRIVEN’ by James Ford: My top five diesel-powered vehicles - September 2021
The road trip series – Part 3: The Benelux region explored in a classic BMW M3 and Renault 5 - August 2021
Lee Stone - The multiple freestyle jet sport world champion with the world at his feet - July 2021
Your car, your story - Part 5: The BMW M3 E36: A classic road warrior from the 1990s
Read moreAhmad Daham’s record-setting journey to the top of the drifting world - November 2020
Your car, your story – Part 4: The VW T3 - The last real Bulli - October 2020
“Trust in yourself, work hard and make it happen” – François Lemariey on how to manage a successful MXGP team - October 2020
Your car, your story – Part 3: The Renault Dauphine: The prettiest little four-seater in the world - August 2020
Evergreen Christopher Campbell excited about competing in upcoming GT4 season - July 2020
Your car, your story – Part 2: The Volkswagen Bug, everybody’s darling - June 2020
Dashing through the snow: All you need to know about snowmobiles before winter hits
Read moreHow to overcome 'the invisible wall': Intercultural training opens up new perspectives in Japanese-European business exchange - August 2019
From chainsaw to forklifts: Spark plugs power far more than you thought - July 2019
Glow Plugs: The exhaust system heroes... And why a summer service is key - June 2019
Lights, camera, action! New device tests and films the ignition behaviour of spark plugs under real-life, high pressure conditions - May 2019
It’s motorcycle season! How to get ready for your first ride - April 2019
Boating know-how: top tips to get you set for summer - March 2019
Winter Glow Plugs: What every diesel driver should know
Read moreThrottle up an engine with a click of a mouse - November 2018
Marc Márquez chasing records with NGK - October 2018
Damien Germès: Strong leadership in a changing market - September 2018
NGK at Automechanika 2018 - September 2018
For us it’s all about the engine - August 2018
#ngkroyals - July 2018