Montana’s Frenchman Stéphane Peterhansel (Mini), “Monsieur Dakar” – thirteen wins, six on a motorcycle, seven in a car, an absolute record -, slightly behind since the start of the Dakar 2020 in Saudi Arabia, won its first stage on Wednesday of this edition, between Neom and Al Ula (453 km of special).
“Peter” immediately took command, to win with 2’26 ” ahead of the Qatari Nasser Al-Attiyah (Toyota) and 7’18 ” on the Spaniard Carlos Sainz (Mini), who retains the lead in the general classification for just over three minutes. Fernando Alonso (Toyota), who lost all of his chances in the general classification on Monday (wheel and front suspension torn off) set the thirteenth fastest time of the day.
The Lausannois Alexandre Pesci and his teammate Stephan Kuhni continue their race at the controls of the buggy Rebellion.
Motorcycles: Yamaha loses its second asset
On two wheels, the Briton Sam Sunderland (KTM) had an extraordinary end of the stage, finally winning for 11 seconds over the Chilean Cornejo (Honda). American Ricky Brabec (Honda) retains the lead in the general classification for 2’30 “.
The Austrian Matthias Walkner (KTM), winner in 2018, gives up 24 minutes, while the Yamaha Motor France team, 24 hours after the terrifying fall of Van Beveren (broken collarbone, numerous bruises), loses his second asset, Xavier De Soultrait , touched on the right wrist the day before and who gave up in the middle of the day’s stage.
Lausanne’s Nicolas Brabeck-Letmathe (KTM) signs the 64th fastest time of the day.
Thursday, 353 kilometers of sandy hills just as impressive as the dunes.
J.-C.S.
Created: 08.01.2020, 15h53
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