Dakar – Peterhansel wins, Sainz resists on the eve of the finish

The 11th stage of the Dakar 2020 in Saudi Arabia was almost a “formality” for Stephane Peterhansel. Le pilote Mini s’est largement imposé ce jeudi à Haradh avec 8′ de marge sur Nasser-Al Attiyah (Toyota), parti plus loin dans l’ordre de passage (17e).

The defending champion quickly got in the wake of Peterhansel at the first kilometer point, but saw “Monsieur Dakar” maintain a small advantage, never more than 2'05”. The driver of the Mini JCW buggy, however, saw the Toyota driver come back in the last part of the timed sector, the latter failing at 10″.

Separated by 16″ at the start of this second part of the marathon stage this morning, Al-Attiyah and Peterhansel will therefore be almost tied (6″ in favor of the Qatari) at the start of the final stage tomorrow, but remain at a respectable distance of Carlos Sainz (Mini), still leader of the general classification.

The double world rally champion, at the head of an 18′ lead this morning, however saw his cushion largely melt away this Thursday. 3rd this Thursday at 8'03, the Spaniard does not seem to have taken any risks before the last day tomorrow which could prove decisive.

Sainz leads Al-Attiyah by 10'17" and Peterhansel 10'23", the competitors of this Dakar 2020 joining Qiddya tomorrow after 167 km against the clock.

Superb 4th yesterday in the stage, Pierre Lachaume (Peugeot ) suffered several rollovers and was forced to retire. Having gone very far after his double roll the day before, Fernando Alonso (Toyota) finished the stage in 8th place at 16'25”.

Ranking step 11:

Ranking after stage 11: