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Meeke delighted by the Dakar: “7 km in two weeks, as much as three WRC seasons! »

Kris Meeke gives a delighted assessment of his first Dakar, which nevertheless ended in last place in the SSV T3, 64 hours behind the winner! Here is the story of his adventures... 

Published on 07/02/2021 à 10:28

Medhi Casaurang

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Meeke delighted by the Dakar: “7 km in two weeks, as much as three WRC seasons! »

The bad tongues took their toll on the Dakar 2021. In 12 stages, Kris Meeke did not roll over once! The Northern Irishman, accustomed to his career in the World Rally Championship (WRC) has experienced a thousand adventures with the PH Sport Zephyr T3, but has never suffered an accident.

“I completed 7 km in two weeks, which is as much as three WRC seasons! If the Dakar started again the week after arriving in Jeddah, I would have been up for it, he explained to AUTOhebdo, a few moments after winning his first stage in rally-raid (in Light Vehicle class, modified SSV T3). I am very happy to have experienced this ordeal.

The Briton recognizes that this experience changed his approach to the discipline. “I'm not the same driver as I was at the start. I knew that I had to show humility when arriving on the Dakar because I didn't really understand what a rally raid was.

I was blown away by how rough some of the terrain was. Sometimes we went to corners where even a tractor would refuse to risk it! It changes your mindset, that’s for sure. You also have to learn to drive so as not to puncture a tire.

Sometimes you're unlucky and you puncture because you were riding in the dirt of a competitor. I learned a lot and I want to use these lessons in the future. »

Kris Meeke also ended up having fun behind the wheel of the French SSV, even if he « suffered too many mechanical problems. It was only during the last two steps that we really understood which parts needed to be spared. We have tried several solutions until then. Once you understand the car well, then the speed is there to win stages. Anyway, PH Sport has the potential and the car to win this category next year.

Enfin, l’ancien pilote officiel Toyota et Citroën en rallye confirme son attrait pour le rallye-raid à l’avenir. “I want to explore opportunities in this discipline. I love the adventure, the racing style. My co-pilot Wouter (Rosegaar) was fantastic and I want to progress in this universe. »

 

Kris Meeke's struggles at the Dakar 

 

When PH Sport suggested that he give up during an eighth stage marked by 1h30 of repairs at the junction, Kris Meeke reacted instantly: “I keep going until it’s no longer possible, then I try again!” » 

 

When Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena are on the verge of giving up after too many problems and punctures, the former WRC opponent stops to chat with the nine-time world champion duo. 

 


It's not always 30 degrees in Saudi Arabia, especially when SSVs don't wear windshields. © Kris Meeke

Blocked from the 2nd stage by a fire on his Zephyr, Kris Meeke met nomads and local animals. © KM

 


Not very Covid! But beautiful memories for sure… © KM

 


What a change from comfortable hotels! © KM

 


Another stop, another problem, another meeting and tea served by the locals! © KM

 

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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Medhi Casaurang

21/12/2023 at 12:12 a.m.

[…] READ ALSO > Meeke delighted by the Dakar: “7 km in two weeks, as much as three WRC seasons! » […]

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