Morocco – Loeb loses his head, mechanical problems for Sainz

The competitors of Rally from Morocco became mechanics before the start of the fourth stage. In fact, on Sunday evening, all assistance was prohibited; the mounts had to be repaired by the crews themselves.

The Moroccan dunes, already present on the route last weekend, are once again on the program, between Erg Lihoudi and Erfoud, for a total of 170 kilometers of timed sector (the second section has been canceled). Author of the best time the day before, Nasser Al-Attiyah, accompanied by Mathieu Baumel (Toyota), opens the track. On the sand, the Qatari plays the course ideally to arrive at the crossing point, far, far away in front of everyone. His closest pursuer, Orlando Terranova, sailed by Bernado Graue (Mini) finished nine minutes behind.

The outlay is even more significant for Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena (Peugeot ). The Franco-Monegasque duo changed a shock absorber on the 3008DKR as soon as it reached the finish line. Both partners lose 10 minutes, and their position as leader in the general classification at the same time. The Lion is struggling, because Carlos Sainz and Lucas Cruz conceded a full hour to the Toyota Hilux. The Spaniards were victims of mechanical problems, without further details at the moment.

The cards are completely redistributed before the final day of competition scheduled for Tuesday. Al-Attiyah-Baumel lead the race, six minutes ahead of Loeb-Elena. Nani Roma and Alex Haro (Mini) preserve their provisional third place. As for Carlos Sainz and Lucas Cruz, their chances of a podium certainly disappeared this Monday.