Sandy dunes, stony ground and rivers in spate – more than 500 competitors from all over the world will step up, when on January 5, 2008 the starting signal for the world’s toughest race will be given. Over the past three years, Henkel's Loctite and Teroson brands have established an excellent track record in the most demanding race in the world: with products that have supplied ample proof of their capability to win - and keep - the competitors’ confidence. For the first time Henkel´s Pattex, as an official supplier, will support the competitors during their 16-day tour across six countries.

The Dakar provides an ideal testing arena for new product developments and confirms the superior quality of Henkel products even under the most extreme racing conditions. By travelling with the rally all the way to Dakar, Henkel will also support the competitors with hands-on expertise for emergency repairs and overnight maintenance work in the bivouacs.

The rally receives extensive international media coverage by radio and TV stations around the world. 250 journalists have the opportunity to accompany the Dakar live. The event captures the interest of a huge public, many of whom are motor sport enthusiasts and technology freaks - precisely the key group of Loctite, Teroson and Pattex users.

In 2008, Henkel will have stands in all three areas – public, administrative & technical scrutineering. All competing teams will be presented with the greatly appreciated Mechanical Emergency kit of selected Henkel products and will get competent help with any urgent technical problems that may arise.

A true service to the competitors
Also a team of Henkel specialists will be travelling with the rally all the way to Dakar. Known as the Henkel "Charlies" to most of the competitors and even more so to their mechanics, they will be available during scrutineering and throughout the rally to provide advice and hands-on support. Over the years, close contacts have developed into a strong relation of mutual trust and understanding, built on the competent service and the high-quality products offered for fast and efficient repairs which have helped many drivers to make it to the finish line. It comes as no surprise, therefore, that the Dakar participants give Henkel’s brand Loctite the highest score among the sponsors.

The Henkel portfolio offers products to prevent loose bolts, worn bearings and leaking seals, replace broken windshields, repair gaping holes in plastic components, tape up all sorts of broken parts - in short, for a huge spectrum of applications too numerous to mention. Many products have earned their "Dakar-proven" stamp of approval in the previous years' events. Used by almost all the drivers competing on bikes, cars and trucks, Loctite anaerobic threadlockers exemplify those small yet very important items that can make the difference between victory and defeat. They perform reliably where mechanical devices fail.