The first Dakar iPhone app is here!

Are you into The Dakar, iPhones and apps? In that case there is an early x-mas gift waiting for  you at the iTunes App store - from Volkswagen!

App name: 2010 Dakar - Volkswagen Rally mobile
(requires Iphone 3.0 or iPod touch)
Releasedate: 10th of December, 2009
Languages: German, English
Price: Free of charge!

Volkswagen has chosen to do the right thing, actually releasing the first app associated with the Dakar rally ever. And getting the buzz, pr and attention for doing so. Really cool and way to go!

This app will bring you:
Everyday highlights: pictures, video and audio.
Volkswagen info and bios: the Touareg, Carlos Sainz, Giniel de Villiers.
Map/routes: facts and descriptions.
Results:  current/updated from each leg and overall.
History: winners from 1979 up till today.

Biggest mistake is that it´s only released in two languages: German and English. Though the rally actually takes place in Spanish speaking countries, with a population of 57 million, with a "grande" motorsport audience, an extraordinary media coverage, and with one of it´s top riders being Spanish. Loosing out on great impact in the Spanish world. Who knows if an update before January 1st will be released in Spanish and perhaps French?



One interesting aspect of the app, is that German communication agency Speedpool Multimedia Service has brought it out. A company which has produced numerous of missions on behalf of the motor industry, including ASO (Dakar organization). This could mean the assurance of a high standard app, content wise, that applies to the target group and audience really well.
.
Out of the audience point of view I am sureprised that the Dakar organization hasn´t developed their own iPhone app as of yet. It would truly be in the spirit of the Dakar to be on top of things when it comes to providing the audience with the Dakar in various channels. No matter if you prefer Robby Gordon on the Hummer team, Chicherit Guerlain and Tina Thörner on the BMW X-raid team or any other privateer out there competing.