Image Courtesy: X-Raid.de
There’s big news on today’s stage. Is the overall top position in the cars all but sewn up? Hit the jump to find out and check out a video about what it’s like for Dakar rookie Kurt Caselli.
Cars:
Image Courtesy: X-Raid.de
X-Raid BMW driver Orlando Terranova took his first stage win today followed closely by Nani Roma and Peterhansel in their X-Raid MINIs. At this point it looks like Peterhansel is in cruise mode and I’d be surprised if we see him battle for any stage wins for the rest of the rally.
Yesterday’s mammoth stage was a real turning point in the rally for the cars. Nasser Al-Attiyah suffered from just about every mechanical problem in the book and as a result he’s gone from being second place to out of the Rally. Al-Attiyah’s withdrawl leaves Peterhansel in impressive command of the rally with a 52 minute advantage over his nearest rival, Imperial Toyota driver Giniel De Viliers. It seems unlikely that an experienced Dakar veteran like Peterhansel will squander such a huge lead over the remaining four stages, but you never know.
Motorcycles:
Image Courtesy: BMW Group
Husqvarna rider Joan Barreda Bort took the stage win today with Despres and Gonclaves hot on his heels. This is the fourth stage win for Barreda and he must be wondering what might have been if it weren’t for his horrible luck on stage 5 which put him well down the rankings and out of contention. Meanwhile, Despres squeaks into the top spot in the overall rankings with just over a one minute cushion, ahead of second place Faria.
Kurt Caselli finished a solid 5th in today’s stage and remains 5th overall, not too bad for a Dakar rookie. Inside Dakar talks to Kurt and gives us a peak at what it’s like to be a rider in this year’s Dakar.
Inside Dakar: Kurt Caselli
Finally, here’s the official rally summary.