Dakar 2020 – Peterhansel and Sainz enjoy themselves, Al-Attiyah hangs on

This time it's certain, the Mini JCW buggies are favorites for victory in the 2020 Dakar. The vehicle from the German team X-Raid signed its... fourth special victory during the sixth stage. 

This Friday, January 10, between Hail and the capital Riyadh, it was the turn of Stéphane Peterhansel and Paulo Fiuza to stand out. The Frenchman, record holder for victories in the event (13), beat his teammates Carlos Sainz and Lucas Cruz in one breath (1'02'')!

“I probably lost a little time in the last part, explains Carlos Sainz, double winner. I'm happy to arrive here in this position. Everything is fine. There were some very fast parts, then dunes and finally sandy tracks… it was very nice. But I really need a day off. » 

Author of a cautious start in Saudi Arabia, “Monsieur Dakar” does not gain enough time to get on the virtual podium. Indeed, while the Spanish “Matador” remains in control of the general classification, the Qatari Nasser Al-Attiyah (Toyota) manages to preserve his second place.

Associated with French Mathieu baumel, the outgoing winner counteracts the disadvantages of his 4×4 Hilux in the dunes with incisive driving and good marks from his co-driver. Before the rest day, the leaders of the Toyota clan lost only 2'52''. 

The stage local (he lives 100 km from Riyadh) Yazeed Al-Rajhi finished just off the podium despite a scare. “It was a difficult day because we had an oil leak. There was a crack and I was really afraid that all the oil would go away. From there I was very careful to finish the special. »

Fernando Alonso and Marc Coma (Toyota) are gaining momentum. The Spanish duo was in fifth place on the stage at the last mandatory crossing point, 6'08'' behind the leaders. Finally, let us point out the assiduity of Mathieu Serradori and Fabien Larquin. On their South African Century buggy, the Franco-Belgian crew is firmly attached to its sixth place in the general classification, ahead of the fast Giniel de Villiers and Bernard ten Brinke! 

Dakar 2020 Stage 6 Results:

General ranking after Step 6: