Edited by: P. Halatsis
The Spanish duo of the Ford Raptor T1+ this time had an unfortunate moment. Carlos Sainz and Lucas Cruz were – as always – excellently prepared for the big race. But in the first leg of the 48 Hours Chrono Stage, on Sunday January 5, at the 327th km. Ford Raptor T1+ overturned.
ADVERTISING SPACE
With the help of Mitch Guthrie driving the second Ford and his passenger, they managed to get the Raptor back on its wheels.
With a delay of 55’38”, the Spaniards continued the race but with great difficulty. The route was 900 kilometers but with a deformed safety cage and no windshield things were difficult. The dust from the desert came in and often they couldn’t see in front of them.
ADVERTISING SPACE
Sainz and Cruz continued the route and managed to cover 900 kilometers. The 62-year-old driver knew what happened next. An expert in security matters, he knew that the 47th Dakar Rally for him was ending and at the same time he was saying goodbye to the hope of a 5the title.
The FIA technicians checked the car. The roll-cage was cracked. The regulations on crew safety are clear. Last night the Spanish driver announced that today (Tuesday January 7) he will not start. He and his co-driver will remain in the race but as spectators.
ADVERTISING SPACE
Carlos Sainz is the oldest Dakar winner. The difficult race has been won four times. In 2010 with Volkswagen, in 2018 with Peugeot, in 2020 with MINI and in 2024 with Audi. This year with Ford he was hoping to get 5the of the title. But matches have surprises.
After the “leaders” were out of battle, their work will continue with the other two Ford Raptors, Ekstrom and Roma.
Toyota Hilux are ahead
Today begins the third day of the race. Yesterday at the 48Hours Chrono Stage, 2or Dakar route, led by Yazeed Al Rajhi (from Saudi Arabia) and Timo Gottschalk with Toyota Hilux. With a time of 10 hours 32’54” they are the fastest and want victory. Behind the Saudi, with a 4’16” difference, follow Henk Lategan-Brett Cumming with another Toyota Hilux.
The surprise is with the experienced Nasser Al-Attiyah-Eduard Boulanger who drive a well-built Dacia Sandrider and are in 3or position. Rounding out the top five are Juan Cruz Jacopini-Daniel Oliveiras and Rokas Baciuska-Oriol Mena, both with Toyota Hilux.
Source: www.zougla.gr
