Morocco – Al-Attiyah first leader, Alonso in trouble

The first step of Rally du Maroc 2019 took place between Fez and Erfoud this Saturday, October 5. With a length of 226 kilometers, the special saw Nasser Al-Attiyah and Mathieu Baumel (Toyota Hilux 4×4) signer le meilleur temps. 

Nasser Al-Attiyah starts his 2019 Rallye du Maroc.
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Nasser Al-Attiyah sets off in his 2019 Rally of Morocco.#RallyeduMorocco #Morocco Telecom #Africa @BFGoodrichEU @BFGoodrichTires pic.twitter.com/OOx0fp0Hys

— Rallye Du Maroc (@MarocRallye) October 5, 2019

The Toyota Gazoo Racing duo finished the day 2'39" ahead of Mathieu Serradori and Fabian Lurquin, on their new Century Racing CR6 buggy. The experienced Giniel de Villiers (Toyota) sets the third fastest time with his new navigator, Alex Haro (+3'14").

At the foot of the provisional podium, we find the modified Mini JCW Buggy of the Peterhansel couple, Stéphane and Andrea (+5'14''). The second vehicle of the X-Raid team dedicated to Carlos Sainz and Lucas Cruz is only eighth, a quarter of an hour behind.

Day complicated! Dos pinchazos y tres parada para llegar a duras penas con una rueda trasera en las ultimas. Perdimos 15 minutos pero el ritmo era bueno. Mañana más!! pic.twitter.com/Q6OgVnpNiI

- Carlos Sainz (@CSainz_oficial) October 5, 2019

" Hard day, shared the Dakar title holder on social networks. Two punctures and three stops to end up laboriously with a defective rear wheel at the end of the journey. The pace is good. »

Leading at km 81, Yazeed Al-Rajhi (Toyota) slowed down at the end of the course (10th at 23'56"). At this same passage, the newcomer Fernando Alonso (Toyota) was in the lead group match, but that was without taking into account the adventures of the rally-raid.

The double winner of 24 Hours of Le Mans, associated with former biker Marc Coma, has experienced not one, not two, but three punctures ! Upon arrival, the Spaniard conceded 44 minutes to the leaders (21st). “The day remains positive, explained the Asturian. We had flat tires three times, with only two spare wheels, so we had to wait for another car to be repaired. 

We learned a lot today and rode a lot of kilometers. We hope to experience a better stage tomorrow. » 

Another driver in difficulty, Nani Roma is not starting the association with Borgward on the best foot. The second in the 2019 Dakar lost almost two hours.