Peterhansel moves closer to success at China Silk Road Rally

Stéphane Peterhansel is on course to win the China Silk Road Rally. The pilot Peugeot offered himself his 7th stage victory in this event by completing the 162km timed in 1h31'54, with a route traced around Dunhuang in canyons with fast tracks.

“We relieved the mechanics on a fairly brittle part in the middle of the special. The menu included fast driving, beautiful stretches and 10km of crossing in a sandy canyon. Overall, although short, these stages are enjoyable. D-1! », rejoices the driver of the 2008 DKR n°181 who was 4 minutes ahead of Lui Kun (Mitsubishi Pajero MPR11) and Christian Lavieille (Haval).

Cyril Desprès finished almost 6 minutes behind his teammate after being slowed down by a puncture. “Stéphane overtook us at the 85th km”, explained the second Peugeot driver. “Then we stopped 10km further on to change the punctured right rear wheel. This is the first time we have driven on such a rutted section. It was not an easy end to the special. We were impressed in the canyons. There was a photographer every 10 meters! »

SS12 (Provisional)
 
1. Stéphane Peterhansel (FRA)/Jean-Paul Cottret (FRA) Peugeot 2008 DKR 1h31mn54
2. Lui Kun (CHN)/Liao (CHN) Mitsubishi Pajero MPR11 +3?55
3. Christian Lavieille (FRA)/Jean-Pierre Garcin (FRA) Haval +4?02
4. Cyril Despres (FRA)/David Castera (FRA) Peugeot 2008 DKR +5?50
5. Han Wei (CHN)/Pan Hong Yu (CHN) Haval +6?49
 
General Ranking after SS12 (Provisional)
 
1. Stéphane Peterhansel (FRA)/Jean-Paul Cottret (FRA) Peugeot 2008 DKR        
2. Cyril Despres (FRA)/David Castera (FRA) Peugeot 2008 DKR +33?14
3. Han Wei (CHN)/Pan Hong Yu (CHN) Haval +50?36
4. Christian Lavieille (FRA)/Jean-Pierre Garcin (FRA) Haval +58?14
5. Lui Kun (CHN)/Liao (CHN) Mitsubishi Pajero MPR11 +1h19:49