A new image

The assistance truck has undergone several changes in decoration, adapting to the team’s needs. So, in 2016 it acquires the red color which is characteristic of Bio-Ritmo brand and proudly features the image of the competition truck it assists.

Since it is a vehicle from the concessionary of MAN for Lisbon and the South of Portugal, Hydraplan, it also includes in its decoration the images of MAN fleet and the Pic-up VW Amarok with which Elisabete Jacinto entered the Rallye Aicha des Gazelles.

A new cargo box

In 2014 the assistance truck cargo box was so nearly derelict that the team decided to change it. The new box was built by Carroçarias Sabino, having been designed by Engineer João Sabino to be solid and not too expensive. To facilitate good thermic insulation iron, aluminium sheets and a high density expanded polystyrene sheathing were used.

The outside look and structure were kept but inside it was reorganized to correspond to our needs. Therefore, each item has now its proper place and a support structure.

Full of material and completely renovated, it is ready to keep supporting Elisabete Jacinto’s team, and it also carries the hope and dreams of good sports results.

Vehicle of historical interest

MAN 6×6 truck, manufactured in 1982. With more than 30 years, it is still very efficient due to its design, endurance and mechanical simplicity. It is a tactical military vehicle, with a configuration which allows it to easily negotiate areas of difficult terrain. During the Cold War it was part of NATO’s logistic structure in Western Germany. It is in Portugal since 2006, when it was acquired by Hydraplan (MAN concessionary) and it was transformed in workshop truck to give assistance to OLEOBAN® team in the several rallies it enters (Dakar, Africa Race, Baja Aragón, Tunisian Rally, among others).

The technology with which it was manufactured adapts perfectly to difficult soils, even when it is loaded with the heavy cargo which is all the support material absolutely necessary for a rally. In spite of its long history of more than 30 years, careful maintenance reflects in its performance, which is a cause of pride to the team. Due to its curriculum and good state of repair, Caramulo Museum classified it as a Vehicle of Historic and Museological Interest in 2013.

Main features

Six-wheel drive

Horse-Power:  320 hp

Engine:  8 Cylinders in “V”

Cylinder Capacity:  12 675 C.C.

Gear Box:  6 gears

Gross Weight:  19 000 kg

Top Speed:  115 Km/h