DAKAR STAGE 6:SAN MIGUEL DE TUCUMAN – SALTA

Once the trucks have left Tucuman, they cars will head north and drive along part of the renowned Ruta 40, and continue on in the heart of one of Argentina’s most beautiful landscapes. The possibilities to widen the gap will be limited but the most skilled drivers may be able to seize the opportunity of adding a stage to their list of wins.  The Kamaz team was quite strong in the early stages. At 57km, Eduard Nikolaevwas ahead of his team-mate Andrey Karginov, leading by 28″. Gerard De Rooy was third, 1′42″ behind the leader, whilst Dmitry Sotnikov came 3′08” behind Nikolaev in fourth.

In the end, however, it was Pieter Versluis (Man)who won the 156-km truck special, 1′11” in front of Andrey Karginov and 1′36” ahead of Marcel Van Vliet. Eduard Nikoaev and his Kamaz came in fourth, 2′07” behind the winner, with Hans Stacey finishing fifth, 2′47″ behind Versluis. After Anton Shibalov in sixth position, 3′09” behind the stage victor, Gerard De Rooy visibly contented himself with protecting his lead in the general standings before the rest day.

Loprais finished 9th, Vratny 11th, Tomanek 19 th, Ardavichus 21th, Kolomy 23rd, Blom 36th and Kasak 49th.  Kolomy seemed to be in trouble when he crossed the finish line after 156 km of the special, his truck had lost its front right wheel and has been at a standstill on the link stage just after the finish. The crew is believed to be ok.