The first woman ever to win the Dakar - making history in the 2001 edition with a Mitsubishi Pajero Evo - is back at the Baja Portalegre 500, Portugal, to debut at the wheel of an SSV (Yamaha YXZ 1000 Turbo).
"I love Portugal and this event in particular, that's why I'm here once again," confesses the German Jutta Kleinschmidt.
At the age of 56, the former Mitsubishi and Volkswagen official cross country driver, with 17 participations in the Dakar (four in motorcycles), is now FIA's ambassador and is actively contrybuting for the development of motor sport.
"This participation at this Baja, which I know very well, is only possible thanks to Yamaha's invitation. I will try to enjoy myself as much as possible and, at the same time, play my role as FIA's ambassador, helping to promote motor sport. We need new ideas to attract more drivers, more social media and more spectators, to our sport!" says Jutta, who, although retired, is still active participating in tests, motivational lectures in companies and flying her helicopter!
This edition of the Baja Portalegre 500 will mark the debut of Jutta Kleinschimdt with the Yamaha SSV, about which she said: "This new SSV category is very important for the future of the off-road due to its low costs and will certainly contribute to the dynamism of the sport. I have no doubt that the Cross Country's future is in SSV."