DAKAR: Gordon to run third Hummer in 2010.

Team Gordon Off-road has announced that it will run a third Hummer in the 2010 Dakar Rally for ex-F1 man, Eliseo Salazar.

The outfit, which is responsible for Robby Gordon's Dakar efforts, recently enjoyed its most successful outing on the 2009 edition, with Gordon finishing third overall, while Eric Vigouroux drove his identical Hummer to a 13th place finish. It was the team's fourth attempt at the event.

"The 2009 Dakar Rally was very rewarding to everyone on our team," said Gordon, owner of Team Gordon and driver of the Monster Energy Toyo Tires Hummer. "What we were able to accomplish was truly amazing and a testament to the team that we have established.

"I am excited now to announce the addition of Eliseo to our Dakar programme for 2010. I believe that him joining our team will only strengthen the existing programme and make us that much better.

"We have known each other for over 15 years and it is a pleasure, to have such a talented driver with Dakar experience join us. Running three race vehicles will not only increase our performance, it will also increase our chance to bring home the coveted Dakar Rally title in 2010. We expect great things in the 2010 Dakar Rally and beyond."

Salazar, who has competed in the Chilean national rally championship in recent years, is looking forward to linking up with Gordon.

"It's an understatement to say that I'm very excited to drive for Team Gordon in a Rally that covers routes of my native country with in a Hummer that I feel is extremely adequate for the kind of terrains of the Dakar in South America," he continued.

"Robby will not only be a teammate, but a friend and an outstanding off-road driver. Robby has agreed to teach me how to achieve my goal of being a top-ten driver in the 2010 Dakar Rally scheduled to revisit Chile and Argentina."