The media team tracking multiple Red Bull entries in the 2017 Dakar Rally will be able to stay on top of the action thanks to Inmarsat connectivity.
For the second consecutive edition, Inmarsat is Technology Partner for the Red Bull Content Pool, which will distribute a constant stream of stories, video and images to media outlets worldwide for the gruelling 10,000km (6,200 mile) race, which kicked off in Asuncion on 2 January.
In what is ranked as motorsport’s toughest endurance test, competitors’ fortunes can turn in an instant – which means keeping on top of the story is critical. But the tortuous off-road route through Paraguay, Bolivia and Argentina includes some of the planet’s most inhospitable terrain, so getting a terrestrial or cellular signal between stop points is usually impossible.
Image courtesy of Red Bull Content pool
Fortunately for Red Bull’s content creators, Inmarsat has transformed their multimedia capabilities by keeping them connected no matter where the route takes them, thanks to our reliable satellite network.
To give the team of professional photographers and videographers the greatest flexibility, they’ve been kitted out with an Explorer 325 vehicle BGAN terminal, two compact Explorer 510 BGAN terminals and an Explorer 710 terminal supporting BGAN HDR, Inmarsat’s game-changing high-data-rate service delivering superior video quality. All that plus specialist media software solutions from Inmarsat partner Network Innovations, means they have everything they need to get the stories out, as they happen.
They will also carry robust IsatPhone 2 satellite phones for voice communications and the reassurance of tracking and safety support.
With Red Bull fronting teams in three categories there will be plenty of action to cover. Once again it is sharing the road with Team Peugeot Total as they look to defend the car race title they secured at the previous edition of the rally. There’s also high expectations for the Red Bull KTM Factory Team and Team Kamaz Master as they look to extend their winning records in the bike and trucks categories respectively.
And this year, for the first time, they will be including behind the scenes content and Facebook Live broadcasts for a truly immersive experience.
The rally is due to finish in Buenos Aires on 14 January.
