Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Proto: Cristina Gutiérrez's car for the 2019 Dakar

The Spanish driver will compete in the Dakar for the third consecutive year. This time she will use the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Proto, a vehicle unique in the world.

Cristina Gutiérrez and Mitsubishi have confirmed it: the Spanish driver will compete in the 2019 Dakar. In addition, the Japanese brand presented the new vehicle the racer will drive: the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Proto. This car, unique in the world, has been prepared by Sodicars Racing. As for the rally competition, the 2019 Dakar will be held entirely in Peru from January 6 to 17.

Mitsubishi and Cristina Gutiérrez maintain their relationship

Cristina Gutiérrez, at 27 years old, will take part in her third consecutive Dakar with the brandMitsubishi. The Japanese carmaker has prepared, together with Sodicars Racing, a vehicle unique in the world. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Proto will be the only one competing in the 2019 Dakar piloted by the Spanish driver Cristina Gutiérrez. The previous year Cristina used the Mitsubishi Proto ARC, prepared by DKR Raid Service.

Since her debut in 2017, Cristina has improved her results in the two previous years of competition. In the year of her debut in the category she reached 44th place, while in the 2018 edition she reached 38th position. It was during the last edition that she became the first Spanish woman to complete the Dakar in the car category.

During the announcement of her participation, the driver from Burgos was ambitious: “we will do everything we can to be among the first”. As Cristina Gutiérrez confirmed, the team and the car that will head to Peru are better prepared and “will favor” the role of the driver and Mitsubishi.

One of the new features revealed by the Spanish driver is the addition of a hydraulic jack to the car. In addition, the car will have other improvements that will optimize the performance of past editions. According to what Cristina Gutiérrez commented, the vehicles used previously came with series versions. However, the driver said she did not feel pressure for having a better-prepared car for the next 2019 Dakar because “it is what I like to do”.