Baumel's assessment: “The impression of fighting for ultimately not much”

What assessment do you draw from this Dakar?

The impression is very positive. Five stages won in 12 days, that's not nothing! There were a few great days of sailing, and the course was very interesting... except the stony sections, where we suffered a lot more punctures than the competition. If we only look at 4x4s, we are one of the few that can compete with the Mini Buggy.

It's frustrating because I feel like I'm fighting for nothing. Waiting for others to make mistakes is not an ideal tactic, so we fought. We are in a good place, which corresponds to a small victory. The car ran well. It's not about the engine, though. In certain areas, we clearly saw that the Mini's turbo diesel engine was pushed to its maximum capacity.

Where do you think you lost the rally ?

Over two days: the first and the ninth stage, because of punctures. It cost us enormously, for the final victory, but not only that. Behind, if they felt the need, Stéphane and Carlos accelerated and were well ahead, by several minutes, without forcing too much. I'm still happy, because this edition was very interesting for the co-drivers. There was no stage where the co-pilot could rest.

Did this highlight your role?

Nobody talked about it. The co-pilots are put aside, we notice this in the reports and interviews. I don't know what to do to change that. The public doesn't realize the work we do. But that's how it's always been. You have to accept it. Besides, I send a big congratulations to Édouard (Boulanger). For his first time and at this speed, what he did was great.

Video of stage 3 @dakar
A new stage victory for @AlAttiyahN @matthieubaumel @TGReurope @redbullmotors @RebellionTime pic.twitter.com/aKeHsXocXm

— Mathieu Baumel (@matthieubaumel) January 5, 2021

How can you explain your domination of all events, except the Dakar, for two years?

The Minis do not necessarily get involved in other events. And when they are there, it is not at their maximum capacity. This allows them to avoid changes in the technical regulations (between buggies and 4x4s) by explaining that they go slower than the Toyota. Once on the Dakar, they come back to full throttle and boost the turbo.

We should follow their example then!

Yes, but we don't have a turbo...