David Frétigné has to withdraw from the Dakar 2012

David Frétigné, French rider of Husqvarna Rallye Team by Speedbrain, has to withdraw from the Dakar Rally 2012. After his vertebrae injury suffered at the Rally dos Sertoes last august, he is on a very good way of recovering and was allowed from his medical team to train fully for the Dakar since a few weeks.

Everyone was hopeful he can be totally fit and competitive in the 2012 race. Unfortunately his final medical exams showed that his injury has not made enough progress to risk a start at the Dakar, known as the hardest race of its kind in the world. His team wishes him strength for his further recovery and will miss him at the starting line on 1st of January.

David Frétigné: "I am very sad that I can finally not start, after all the good hopes and the hard work to come back. I wish my team all the best at the race, and will be with them with my thoughts. I will continue to work hard on my physical condition, it was just a little bit too early to risk a start, but I will be back soon in full strength."

Wolfgang Fischer, Team Manager: "The whole team was in good hope to have David back to compete with us at the Dakar Rallye 2012. Even bigger is our regret now, for us as team, and for him as rider, to get this negative last-minute decision. Anyway, his health is priority no. 1, and we hope to welcome him back soon at the race track."

Husqvarna Rallye Team by Speedbrain announced Jose Manuel Pellicer as short notice new team rider, in order not to leave the starting spot of rider number twelve empty. The 38-year old spaniard from Castellon has several Dakar participations under his belt, and finished 20th in the 2011 edition.

DAKAR RALLY ARGENTINA-CHILE