[gwyllion]

Robby Gordon wil volgend jaar terugkomen om te winnen en zegt veel bijgeleerd te hebben.

#317 – Robby Gordon (USA), 30th place (leg) / 12th position overall
"It was a good rally. As we left Germany for Barcelona I said that I wanted to win. To achieve this I pushed very hard from the off and had an accident. Afterwards I got really badly bogged down twice and helped Jutta. So we fell way back. But I have learnt a lot. Five days ago I was depressed and just wanted to go home. Now I want to return and win.”

#317 – Dirk von Zitzewitz (D), 30th place (leg) / 12th position overall
"The ‘Dakar' was my debut in a works team. I'm impressed with the logistics and the possibilities; an example was just how quickly our car was repaired after the roll. I'm a little disappointed about our performance. We could have had much more. We should have been calmer, more patient and not so short-sighted. I'm very happy that I was able to take part. I've learnt a lot and can hardly wait for the next ‘Dakar'. I really hope that I get the chance again.”

Three questions to Volkswagen works driver Robby Gordon

What surprised you the most during your first ‘Dakar'?
"That such an incredible amount of work is invested in this project, and not only during the rally itself, but also in the preparation where the technicians have worked brilliantly.”

Lead, roll, hard days – you experienced quite a few ups and downs…
"I was leading at the beginning. However, after my accident I went through a frustrating period: We got bogged down, dug not only ourselves out but also Jutta. I want to come again, as I have learnt a great deal. I was for example, too slow on day four. On the fifth day I wanted too much and rolled.”

As a circuit racer, was it difficult hang in there for 16 days?
"At the start everybody was driving for themselves. I was proud to be able to match the pace of the former ‘Dakar' winners. After my accident – something similar also happened to Colin McRae and some others – I drove for the team. To be honest: If it had been my own project I would have given up after the accident.”