Bandar Seri Begawan - For one to be a good Dakar Rally driver, confidence and the ability to evaluate and predict the road conditions particularly on curves and hills are needed, said two-time World Dakar Rally Champion, Hiroshi Masuoka.

Throughout his over 10 years of Dakar Rally experience, he has gained so much valuable experience on various rally tracks and conditions, gone through two major accidents during his race career yet he does not see it as a hindrance but motivation to rise up again.

Masuoka, who arrived in the country on an invitation by GHK Motors for its 4x4 Driving Experience last Wednesday, spoke during a question-and-answer session at his 'Meet the Fans' session yesterday.

Held at the GHK Motors showroom in Beribi, present at the event were Chairman of GHK Group Pg Dato Shariffuddin and GHK Managing Director Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Goh King Chin, as well as customers and 4X4 enthusiasts.

When asked on how he find the 4x4 Driving Experience Track in Tanah Jambu, Masuoka who back home drives a Mitsubishi Lancer and expressed his pride as a Mitsubishi owner said, although not as tough as the Dakar Rally -there are still some challenging spots to drive through.

The 'Meet the Fans' session also saw local fans getting up close with the world champion, who entertained every opportunity for a photograph session with those present and concluded with an autograph session.

--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin