Al-Attiyah and Baumel conquerors of Andalusia

The tools change, the talent remains. Always accustomed to working with a road book in paper version, Mathieu Baumel had to adapt to the electronic model provided for the first time in a rally-raid in Andalusia (Spain). Nasser Al-Attiyah's co-driver did very well, with a victory built day after day, despite a first stage completed in two-wheel drive mode on the Toyota Hilux.

The Qatari was particularly comfortable, on a less sandy course than Morocco, (trip canceled this year due to Covid-19). “The course reminded me of WRC in places, explained the double winner of the Dakar. It was not that easy because of the long break linked to confinement, but this success is very important in our preparation for the Dakar 2021.”

The rival team X-Raid also leaves Andalusia with reasons for hope. Carlos Sainz finished second despite mechanical characteristics poorly suited to the narrow Iberian roads (buggy, diesel engine). “If someone had predicted this result before the start, I wouldn’t have believed it. We had no issues, and all the new parts worked great. »

His teammate Stéphane Peterhansel preferred to opt for the 4×4 version of the Mini. Bad pick, because the Frenchman finished at the foot of the podium. “I made too many mistakes, cursed the veteran. We suffered four flat tires! I've probably spent too much time in the buggy lately, and I've forgotten how to drive the 4x4 at the limit. »  "Monsieur Dakar" however noted one point of satisfaction: the collaboration with his new navigator, Édouard Boulanger. “We now work in perfect harmony. »

In the T3 class, we noted the debut of Kevin Hansen with an OT3 Overdrive. The World RX host came away with second final position, behind his colleague from Red Bull Junior Team, the American Mitch Guthrie. Finally, note the great performance of Isidre Esteve; On the occasion of his first start in a Toyota Hilux, the paraplegic arrived in 12th place.