Polaris RZR's win at 2017 Afriquia Merzouga Rally
Los Polaris ganan el Afriquia Merzouga Rally 2017

French pilot, Frederic Henricy won the SSV Class at the 2017 Merzouga Rally this weekend – part of the 2017 Dakar Series. He was joined on the podium by fellow Frenchman and Polaris driver, Ronald Basso, who finished in third place.

Out of the 24 SXS vehicles competing in the SSV class, 15 were Polaris RZR’s – with Polaris drivers taking four out of the top five places.

It was a change for 2011 World Superbike Champion, Carlos Checa, from two wheels to four as he was at the event racing a Polaris in the SSV class and finished in 12th position.

Polaris were also winners of the Dakar Challenge in the SXS Category, with Eric Culus finishing in first place. Polaris driver, Lilian Vialle took third place meaning that there were two Polaris drivers on the podium.

Emmanuel Pean, Country Manager for Polaris France, said: “The Merzouga rally is growing fast and the SXS category is a great basis for those teams wanting to grow and qualify a team for the Dakar. We’ve had an extremely successful event – success we’d like to continue. A big well done to all of the competitors – these events are difficult – and it is testament to the fantastic drivers, as well as the Polaris RZR, that the result tables are packed with Polaris finishers.” 

Miriam Torres, Marketing Manager at Polaris Spain and Portugal, said: “Merzouga is an important event – especially being part of the Dakar series – we love to see such success for Polaris at such challenging events. It’s great to see individuals taking part – such as Carlos Checa – as it shows how exciting and competitive the events are.” 

Ten years ago, Polaris changed the off-road world forever with the launch of the RZR 800. At 50-inches wide, the vehicle was the first trail-capable side-by-side offering a low centre of gravity, unparalleled handling, ground-hugging performance and unmatched acceleration for a true sport experience. Now, the iconic Polaris RZR is the considered the ultimate combination of power, suspension, agility and comfort. Fueled by relentless innovation, the Polaris RZR range has been designed to dominate every type of off-road terrain. From trail and desert riding to duning, rock crawling and mudding – the RZR allows users to do it all.

For further media information on Polaris ORV products, please contact the Polaris ORV Media Office on +44 (0) 1525 270100 or email us at: press@polaris-orv.mediaor follow us on Twitter @polarisEMEA_PR 

Photo credit: Rally Zone

About Polaris

Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) is a global powersports leader with annual 2015 sales of $4.7 billion. Polaris fuels the passion of riders, workers and outdoor enthusiasts with our RANGER®RZR® and POLARIS GENERAL™ side-by-side off-road vehicles; our SPORTSMAN® and POLARIS ACE® all-terrain off-road vehicles; VICTORY® and INDIAN MOTORCYCLE® midsize and heavyweight motorcycles; SLINGSHOT®moto-roadsters; and Polaris RMK®, INDY®, SWITCHBACK® and RUSH® snowmobiles. Polaris enhances the riding experience with parts, garments and accessories sold under multiple recognizable brands, and has a growing presence in adjacent markets globally with products including military and commercial off-road vehicles, quadricycles, and electric vehicles. www.polaris.com