In the truck category, Gerard De Rooy’s is no longer going solo out in front. The title holder encountered mechanical problems and two punctures, as well as some driving mishaps, getting stuck in the dunes for a prolonged period. In total, he lost almost half an hour on the day’s special stage, losing the command of the race to Ales Loprais. A genuine battle looks to be on the cards, because in addition to the Czech driver, the road to Arequipa saw the return to form of the Kamaz trucks. Nikolaev put his on the provisional podium, 7′08” behind Loprais, whereas Ayrat Mardeev, who won his first special stage on the Dakar, took 4th place, 18′ behind the leader.
Categories: Events & Meetings
January 8th, 2013