Veteran Lu leads Chinese charge

Veteran Chinese driver Lu Ningjun, at the wheel of a China-made Chery's Rely X5, will make his sixth trip to Dakar as the world's most gruelling rally roars off today in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Lu, who made his first appearance at the Dakar Rally in 2004 and finished 57th, will be joined by six other compatriots. Four of them will be driving cars while the other two will take part in the motorcycling competition. Also driving a Rely X5 will be teammate Jiang Yaohuan.

Zhou Yong, who recorded China's best performance at the Dakar Rally by finishing 19th in 2005, will be driving for the Great Wall team. Zhao Yongguo and Zhu Jinzhong will drive for the Beijing Kucheshidai team. Su Wenmin and Wei Guanghui will be riding Jincheng motorcycles.