After 11 successful years with Yamaha competing in international Enduro and Rally-Raid events, David Frétignié is moving to BMW to achieve his dream of winning the Dakar, where he’s already gathered four wins in the 450-cc class in 2004, 2005 and 2009. We remember him riding a two-wheel-drive YZF450, unbeatable in the mud and shifting sand but overwhelmed in wide open spaces, where the big 650-cc (or 800 according to some?), single-cylinder KTMs dominated.

As the 2011 regulations cap all machines at 450 cc, we could assume that BMW is returning to the Dakar in force next year, either directly or under its Husqvarna subsidiary. Frétignié has got what it takes as a rider, he now needs a one- or two-wheel-drive ride worthy of him.

With the KTM dominance challenged by Aprilia, Sherco, Yamaha (?) and now BMW / Husqvarna, the January 2 to 15, 2011 Dakar race should be a doozer!