23.1.2004
The first ever Opel in the Paris Dakar race came in 52nd

Balázs Szalay and his team succesfully made it to the finish on the Paris Dakar rally. From the 195 cars at the start only 65 arrived to Dakar, and the Opel Frontera became 52nd.

The cooperation of the Szalay Dakar Team and Opel in Hungary was announced last October at the Budapest Motorshow. Szalay, who done his first Paris Dakar in 1998, was seekeing partnership rather than sponsorship at Opel which is the most popular brand in Hungary. Their car - as it is the case with all racing vehicles - was purpose built with a very recognizable Frontera look. Also the MAN racing truck of the Szalay team could finish the race - outstanding result for a private team