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Peterhansel’s assessment before the final sprint: “We are playing in front, but on a tightrope”

The leader of the Dakar 2021 before the marathon stage draws up his analysis of the first week, marked by perfect understanding with his navigator Édouard Boulanger. 

Published on 09/01/2021 à 18:12

Medhi Casaurang

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Peterhansel’s assessment before the final sprint: “We are playing in front, but on a tightrope”

It is not for nothing that Stéphane Peterhansel is given the nickname “Monsieur Dakar”. The French pilot, aged 55, concluded the first week of the Dakar 2021 at the head of the event Friday January 8, with his co-driver Édouard Boulanger aboard the Mini JCW Buggy.

Never a winner of a stage in six days, the man with 13 titles in the event demonstrated an extraordinary tactical sense, knowing how to handle a sense of attack, management of mechanics, and good coordination with his new French browser.

 

“This is the first large-scale race that we are doing with Édouard, confirms the former Yamaha biker. We made very few navigation errors, apart from one, like everyone else, yesterday (Thursday), where we left a good ten minutes, like Nasser (Al-Attiyah). We didn't damage the car either, no driving fault. It's a good week. »

Au classement général, Peterhansel-Boulanger comptent 5’53’’ de marge sur le Toyota Hilux d’Al-Attiyah-Baumel. “Above all, we will start in fourth place on Sunday, which is very good from a strategic point of view,” concedes Stéphane Peterhansel. In fact, he will not be responsible for opening the track, and will be able to start the marathon stage behind his opponent.

The duel with the Japanese 4×4 should continue according to the current leader. “Nothing is done, it’s like we’re starting from scratch. To keep in touch, we have to ride at 100% of our capacity every day. Obviously, in this case, you expose yourself to errors, particularly in navigation, because the co-pilot is not given enough time to dissect the announcements.

Driver errors are also possible, a wheel, suspension, etc. can be torn off. We play in front, but on a tightrope. We are on a very thin layer of ice.

Carlos (Sainz, 3rd at 40'. Editor’s note) can also benefit from our duel. We have already seen spectacular duels where two drivers take the lead, then they make a mistake or experience mechanical problems. It could happen. »

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!

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