Alex Wincocq joins Bahrain raid Xtreme, replacing Dani Oliveras as co-driver to Nani Roma

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune –www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain Raid Xtreme (BRX) has confirmed that experienced Dakar Rally competitor Alex Wincocq will replace Dani Oliveras as Nani Roma’s co-driver, for the team’s first entry into the iconic motorsport event, which begins this week in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. 

Wincocq joins Bahrain Raid Xtreme, as a replacement co-driver for BRX pilot Nani Roma, as a result of Oliveras recently returning a positive COVID-19 result.

Although there might have been time for Dani to recover and test negative, Bahrain Raid Xtreme is committed to preserving the health and safety of all Dakar Rally participants, and therefore did not want to take any undue risks that could compromise this.

Wincocq is no stranger to the Dakar Rally and brings a wealth of experience to his partnership with Nani Roma. 

In 1999 Wincocq attended his first Dakar Rally, as a team mechanic, before going on to compete in a range of vehicles including quad bikes, pro trucks and buggies.

“It is incredibly disappointing for Dani (Oliveras) not to be able to help Bahrain Raid Xtreme in the team’s first Dakar Rally, but I am delighted to join Nani and grateful to the BRX team for welcoming me,” Wincocq said.

“I had been preparing for the Dakar for some time, but my previous plans did not play out the way I had anticipated, so to get the chance to compete with such an experienced and skilled driver as Nani, is hugely exciting.”

Roma thanked Dani for all his commitment and support in preparing for the Dakar Rally, saying he was sorry that he will not be able to put all the hard work into practice.

“I have known Alex for a long time, and he is a very experienced and talented person to have alongside me. We are ready to hit the ground running together, and the whole team is excited to have him join us, especially at such short notice,” he said.

The Dakar Rally begins on January 3 in Jeddah. Roma will drive BRX’s bespoke Dakar Rally T1 car – a four-wheel-drive car, powered by a 3.5-litre turbocharged petrol V6, that will take on almost 5,000 kilometres of competitive driving across the 12 stages through Saudi Arabia.