Dakar 2023, Stage 9 – Simon Vitse, the beautiful story ends in barrels

In the big family committed by MD Rally Sport on this Dakar Rally 2023 (eight Optimus buggies), the new kid on the block quickly gained a reputation in the bivouac in this first week of competition. Simon Vitse, associated with Frédéric Lefebvre, defied the predictions by appearing for two consecutive days in fourth place in the general classification.

“The start of the Dakar 2023 was extremely surprising, recognized the 32-year-old pilot when we met him in Ha'il (Saudi Arabia). This is only my first high-level rally behind the wheel, because before I only competed in amateur competitions. The image of the little amateur who tickles the grown-ups, I now know that I am capable of it. »

The two men, originally from the North and long-time friends, are unknown in the Auto category, and they are also classified as “rookies” by the organizer. “In the world of cars, no one knows me”, admits without shame the person concerned. But Simon Vitse has already experienced a Dakar in a cockpit, in the role of co-pilot for veteran Dominique Housieaux in 2021 (19th). Above all, the gentleman driver, head of a family business specializing in the recycling of building waste, was an accomplished quad rider.

Simon Vitse during the 2020 Dakar on Yamaha of BBR Mercier Racing. © DPPI / Florent Gooden

In 2017, for his discovery of the Dakar in South America, he was part of the leading trio halfway through, before giving up due to mechanical problems. A year later, a violent fall kept him away from the handlebars for many months (fractured pelvis, broken shoulder blade, collarbone and ribs). His story with the Dakar in quad ended in a happier way, with a place runner-up to Ignacio Casale in 2020, before moving to the Auto class.

As the second week of the Dakar 2023 begins, Simon Vitse knocks on the door of the top 10 (12th at 3h48' from Nasser Al-Attiyah). “We learn every day, that’s clear, declares Simon Vitse. Afterwards, we had a lot of mechanical problems (gearbox, rim, belt, power steering). It's the game but we know that those who are ahead are especially those who manage to have fewer mechanical glitches. We still have to work on the car, anticipate the change of parts and continue to improve. »

“We’re really looking forward to being in the dunes, continues Frédéric Lefebvre, his co-pilot. A large part of next week will indeed be played in the Empty Quarter, one of the largest deserts in the world. This will undoubtedly leave more room for navigation and trying things. The stages will be shorter but that doesn't mean it will be easier! We must continue to manage well and not force it. We know the road is long. Above all, our objective has not changed: to cross the finish line next Sunday. Our place in the general classification will only be a bonus! »

This plan seemed idyllic until approaching a right curve at km 247 of the ninth stage between Riyadh and Haradh this Tuesday, January 10.

“We were at full tilt, I was almost at the breaking point, says the pilot. You had to drive straight on the track then there was a slight right turn and no danger announced. Except that the “slight right” was more pronounced than expected. I went straight, we jumped the embankment opposite then we rolled over.”

The violence of the accident is impressive. The MD Rally n°236 continued “five to six barrels” said the pilot. The damage to the car is impressive: although the rollbar protected them, it was damaged, the shock absorbers were broken and the vehicle collapsed under the weight of the impact. “We managed to get out as soon as the car stopped”, continues Simon.

A handful of minutes later, Fred “started to feel unwell”. As a precaution, they then notified the medical team. As the car was located near a neutralization zone, an ambulance quickly picked him up so that he could undergo additional examinations at the nearest hospital, located around fifty kilometers away. Simon suffers from hand pain: “I must have broken fingers or hands, I can no longer move them.”

The dramatic outcome of this Dakar 2023 inevitably leaves a bitter taste for Simon Vitse. “I'm disgusted that the Dakar ended like this, especially with this kind of mistake. We were taking risks but we had succeeded from the start. It's really hard to live with. »

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