2006 Race to Dakar - the official launch

A selection of the UK's top motorcycle and lifestyle press contacts attended
the BMW Motorrad Park Lane dealership in London on 13 December to celebrate the
official 2006 Race to Dakar team launch.

In front of a crowd of over 70 invited guests and sponsors, the Race to Dakar
team of Charley Boorman, Simon Pavey and Matt Hall was introduced to the media
by actor Ewan McGregor, who recently rode a BMW R1150 GS Adventure around the
world with Boorman for the successful Long Way Round television series. The
launch event included the unveiling of one of the three specially prepared BMW
F650 GS Dakar race machines along with the BMW X5 support vehicle provided for
the rally by BMW (UK) Ltd.

Commenting on the official launch, Charley said: "It's great to finally see the
F650 GS Dakar race bike with my name on it. It looks so different to the
prototype I've been riding for the past few weeks and makes the whole project
seem so much more real now. The BMW X5 support vehicle also looks amazing with
the Race to Dakar team logo splashed all over it. We started it up outside BMW
Park Lane and it caused quite a stir."

Six-times Dakar rally competitor and BMW Motorrad Off-Road Skills Chief
Instructor, Simon Pavey, added: "It's going to be great for me to compete in
this year's Dakar from a different perspective. Before, I have always been
there as a serious racer and now I am involved in a project to help Charley go
as far as he possibly can," he said. "I do really believe Charley has what it
takes to be a true Dakar competitor."

Accomplished rider and final Race to Dakar teammate, Matt Hall, is tasked with
not only riding, but also filming the entire project for a forthcoming
television series. However, he is more than ready for the challenge: "I've been
riding as much as I possibly can over the last few months. I'm loving every
minute of riding the F650 GS Dakar and can't wait to get out and ride for real
in Lisbon."

Attached is a detailed press kit outlining the Race to Dakar team riders'
profiles, the history of the Dakar Rally and a selection of low-resolution
images.

Ends

For further press information please contact one of the following:

Kylie Maebus 08000 131 282
Tony Jakeman 01344 480 185