Rally-Raid – Sainz abandons, Al-Attiyah in control

After Sébastien Loeb yesterday, it is the turn of Carlos Sainz, engaged on the DKR16 version of the Peugeot 2008, to experience a dark day on the Rally from Morocco. Leader this morning at the start of the fourth stage, the double world rally champion was stopped in his tracks by mechanical problems, and retired, unable to restart the car. The latter will head to Erfoud, where eight days of testing are soon planned.

The stage of the day smiled at Yazeed Al-Rajhi (Toyota) which wins with 45 seconds ahead of the Mini of Nasser Al-Attiyah, co-driven by Matthieu Baumel. Consolation nevertheless for the Team X-Raid crew since they took control of the race with more than a quarter of an hour margin on Al-Rajhi.

Sébastien Loeb regained color this Thursday by setting the third time at 1'57" from Al-Rajhi, despite a slow puncture and poor visibility due to dust. Mikko Hirvonen (Mini) ranks eighth provisionally and is in sixth place overall.

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