Al-Attiyah: “My goal is to attack”

Nasser Al-Attiyah, more than a quarter of an hour from Carlos Sainz before the seventh stage of this Dakar, reduced the gaps. While the competitors are entitled to a day of rest after a grueling first week, the Qatari has closed to eleven minutes of his teammate and can hope for a good end to the race. But, before thinking about a possible final victory or a podium which would dedicate Volkswagen, Al-Attiyah is already enjoying his great stage victory.

« I am satisfied because it was a very long and difficult stage, declares the Qatari. There was a lot of browsing. After 150 kilometers we were behind Carlos (Sainz) and it was hard for us. When we started the second part of the special, I tried to push a little and took my chance. I caught up with him. It’s good because yesterday (Thursday) I lost time. »

Beyond the time taken from the Spaniard, Al-Attiyah also distinguished himself by winning during a stage which offered the longest special stage of the event. “ I am obviously very happy to be the winner of the longest stage of this Dakar. This means that the job was well done. Especially since I started in 4th position and it's never easy. »

If the team instructions will undoubtedly circulate at Volkswagen, which occupies the first three places overall (Sainz, Al-Attiyah, Miller), during this day of rest, the Qatari remains more motivated than ever for the final victory. “ My goal is to attack. Tomorrow (today) we rest and stage 8 will be difficult. Anyway, I will do my best every day. » The 338 km of the special planned between Copiapo and La Serena (Chile) will give Nasser Al-Attiyah his chances of succeeding in his enterprise.