Stage 11 – Al-Attiyah-Baumel winners, Peterhansel-Boulanger ensures

The fastest are not necessarily the leaders in the general classification of the Dakar 2021. This is what we can learn from the performance of Nasser Al-Attiyah and Mathieu Baumel (Toyota), despite a new puncture, on this 11th stage between Al Ula and Yanbu (Saudi Arabia), Thursday January 14.

Indeed, the star crew of Toyota Gazoo Racing is now at five scratch times on this 42nd edition, not counting the Prologue won on the eve of the departure in Jeddah! However, the Qatari-French duo is not in a position to win the rally-raid on the eve of the finish.

“See you later, alligator”

Despite a brief issue, @AlAttiyahN was still able to bring it back to win the stage!# Dakar2021 pic.twitter.com/jywIq0IuqG

- DAKAR RALLY (@dakar) January 14, 2021

The three-time winner of the Dakar is only 1'56'' behind their opponents Stéphane Peterhansel and Édouard Boulanger (Mini). The French always have a small mattressvery comfortable advance of 15'05'', after leading the stage for most of the day.

Thirds, Carlos Sainz and Lucas Cruz (Mini) are still unable to reverse a gloomy trend for their ninth start together and should also finish the competition in this place.

We didn't expect them to have such a party, but Khalid Al Qassimi and Xavier Panseri almost brought back Peugeot take center stage this Thursday. The driver of the Abu Dhabi Racing team (managed by PH Sport) was in the lead at km 362 ofa shortened special due to rain showers at the end of the route, but collapsed at the end of the effort with his 3008 DKR.

Stage classification:

General classification :