Marko Hanželic
With 813 kilometers, it was the fourth stage of Wadi Al Dawasir do Stream the longest this year, but it is true that “only” 337 kilometers were measured. Due to the terrain configuration, this is one faster stages this year’s Dakar.
Motorcyclists: Joan Barreda fastest, Toby Price tactically behind
Today he had to be the first to set off Toby Price (KTM) and again we saw the yo-yo effect brought about by an early start. Most of those who started at the beginning were wasting their time, while those at the beginning started to catch up. This was also true for the group with Barredo, Ricky Brabec (Sling), Ross Branch (Yamaha) and Pablo Quintanilla (Husqvarna).
After 80 kilometers it was Price lost in front and drove a few minutes behind. It's at mile 125 Barreda, who started as the 172th, has already taken the lead in the virtual ranking. Even after XNUMX miles he was The Spaniard is the fastest. After two hours and 46 minutes, she did Barreda thus securing a daily victory. A brat he was tactical in the last quarter of the stage and lost another 17 minutes so he won’t have to start in the first group the next day. He finished 18th.
In total Skyler Howes (KTM) had to give preference to factory racers. He is the new leader of Soultrait, Barreda is 15 seconds behind the Frenchman. Kevin Benavidez (Honda) is the new third.
The only Slovenian representative, Simon Marčič, finished today's stage in 48th place, with an overall ranking Original by Motul he advanced to seventh place again.
Motorists: Peterhansel and Al-Attiyah getting closer together
He opened the stage Nasser Al-Attiyah, followed by his teammate Henk Lategan. peterhansel he came in third. In contrast to motorcyclists, an early start did not prove to be a disadvantage for motorists. Al-Attiyah and Lategan were fast from the start, while Peterhansel kept up with them. The trio did not have any major problems and completed the stage without any special features.
After two hours and 35 minutes, she did Al Attiyah secured the third daily consecutive win. peterhansel he lost just eleven seconds against his big rival. lategan, who competes in his first Dakar, finished the stage in third place with a minute and a half behind.
"It wasn't an easy stage," he said Al Attiyah. “We lost a minute of time due to a mistake. Management is hard to come by. It was good to have Hank behind me. I need a fast driver to help me. ”
Tomorrow the rally continues from Stream do Buraida. The time will be measured on a section 419 kilometers long. A case of one of the most difficult stages rally. The area is surrounded on one side by large belts of dunes and on the other by stone sections.
