- 16th January
- Liaison Sections: 726 km
- Racing Stage: 298 Km
- Total Distance: 1024 Km
What happened Thursday 15th Jan:
There was a two part special with a neutralization section in the middle. Marc Coma’s lead over Paulo Goncalves increased to just over 20 minutes after Goncalves was docked 15 minutes for his engine change in Cachi. Paulo took two minutes out of Marc on the stage, finishing in second place just 17 seconds behind team mate Barreda who won the stage.
Ivan Jakes was third, followed by Ruben Faria in fourth. Toby Price had a great day and moved into 3rd overall after taking just under 2 minutes out of Quintanilla, the pair are now just 1 minute 32 seconds apart.
Yesterday’s stage:
Some used yesterday’s stage to command and others to increase their advantage. This was very much the case for Dakar rookie Toby Price, who moved up to third overall yesterday, snatching it from Quintanilla. Toby put the pace on today, winning the stage, increasing his 3rd place lead to 11 minutes 39, taking the pressure off. All that remains is a 174Km special tomorrow and a liaison into Buenos Aires.
The overall leader Marc Coma continued to control the race and is set for his 5th Dakar victory. Second man Paulo Goncalves took 3 minutes 23 seconds out of Coma yesterday but still sits 17 minutes 49 behind the race leader. Ruben faria was the sacrificial lamb yesterday and waited 6 minutes for Marc Coma to pass after the start, just in case there were any problems on the stage.
Quintanilla is in fourth, followed by Svitko rounding out the top 5. Unbelievably Laia Sainz holds on to her best ever Dakar, eighth overall, this will surely upset the boys
What’s happening today:
It’s not over till it’s over ! The last stage to Buenos Aires will have some fast tracks and care will have to be taken. Every year at least one competitor retires during the final stage.
