Other
Stage 1 – Al-Attiyah-Baumel take the lead in Andalusia
Le Rally d’Andalousie 2021 commence de façon idéale pour Nasser Al-Attiyah et Mathieu Baumel (Toyota). L’équipage double vainqueur du Dakar s’est montré le plus véloce durant la première étape, disputée jeudi 13 mai entre Arcos de la Frontera et Villamartin.
Despite a cancellation of the last section for “safety reasons” at km 177, the Toyota Hilux was able to create a good gap on its pursuers, despite being hampered by the dust released by two 4x4s in front of it.
The surprise of the day goes to Vaidotas Zala and Paulo Fiuza (Mini). The Lithuanian driver, unknown to the battalion until his victory in the first stage of the Dakar 2020, is remembered fondly by his followers after a Dakar 2021 ended abruptly with a mechanical breakdown on the second day. Here he is second, 1'28'' behind the leaders.
Victim of a failure of his GPS system, Carlos Sainz and Lucas Cruz (Mini) drove without their time appearing on the live timing. Finally, the Spaniards are in third place, 2'41'' behind.
Behind, Vladimir Vasilyev and Alexey Kuzmich show that the antique BMW X3 has beautiful remains. The Russians, reigning Cross-Country Rally World Cup champions, finished the stage just off the virtual podium (+3'32'').
Starting voluntarily as track opener this morning, Yazeed Al-Rajhi (Toyota) quickly became disillusioned. The Saudi suffered a puncture, enough to explain an abnormal time of 7'56''.
Behind, we could expect to see the string of Overdrive OT3s from the Red Bull Off-Road Junior Team. Indeed, the minor Seth Quintero (18 years old), navigated by Dennis Zenz, took the advantage over his teammates Cristina Gutiérrez-François Cazalet (+1'48") and Guillaume de Mévius-Tom Colsoul (+3'54")
Beyond the top 10, we find the Spaniard Laia Sanz (Mini, 17th at 13'02'') and the rookie Mattias Ekström (Mini, + 10'10''). Friday, the second stage will act as justice of the peace with 381 km of special between Arahal and Coripe, the longest special of the event.
Stage and general classification:
Medhi Casaurang
Passionate about the history of motorsport across all disciplines, I learned to read thanks to AUTOhebdo. At least that's what my parents tell everyone when they see my name inside!
Read also
Comments
*The space reserved for logged in users. Please connect to be able to respond or post a comment!
0 Comment (s)
To write a comment
0 View comments)