Peterhansel: “Trying to win special stages” on the rest of the Dakar

The analyzes of Stéphane Peterhansel (Audi) are always worthy of interest. The record holder for victories on the Dakar (14) and title holder was able to get back in the saddle this Monday, January 3 during the second stage between Ha'il and Al Qaisumah.

Starting in a distant 29th place this morning, and penalized for several hours after taking a shortcut following a torn rear end, ''Monsieur Dakar'' made his way between the buggies and other slower 4x4s in order to achieve a convincing fourth best time, 7'56'' behind the winners of the day, Sébastien Loeb and Fabian Lurquin (BRX).

“It's a bit special for me, because I've never started this far down the starting order. It was a highway, so there were no navigation problems. In the dunes, on the other hand, the sand was stirred and plowed. As a result, it requires a lot of power from the Audi hybrid and the car becomes very heavy. So it's impossible to compare yourself to the first. »

Stay tuned for our Inside Dakar daily show, where we look back on the events from today. Watch it live here:

>> https://t.co/RHKyvoKRRF#FutureIsAnAttitude #AudiDakar # Dakar2022 #RSQetron pic.twitter.com/wN65EUPH6D

- Audi Sport (@audisport) January 2, 2022

The pilot sailed by Édouard Boulanger also discussed the circumstances of his mechanical failure which occurred the day before. “With our story yesterday and this damaged rim which tore off our rear triangle, we saw a weak point. It's not normal to damage the car like that, so we're going to have to work on that. »

From now on, the former biker will concentrate on brilliant achievements in order to best prepare for the 2023 edition, which he has already ticked off to aim for victory. “Now we will try to win special stages, or test the equipment to prepare for next year. »