Fast and error-free step for Nasser Al-Attiyah

Without really encountering any problems, Nasser Al-Attiyah reached the finish in 4th position, just over 2 minutes behind Sébastien Loeb, thus retaining the lead of this Dakar.

Published on 04/01/2023 à 18:21

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A quick and error-free stage for Nasser Al-Attiyah

Despite the joy of a greater lead at the head of the general standings, Nasser Al-Attiyah was disappointed by the decision of the race direction. © Red Bull Content Pool

It's what we call a quiet day at the office for Nasser Al-Attiyah. Solid leader of this Dakar after the various misfortunes of the Audi drivers and Sébastien Loeb, the Qatari set his own pace at the wheel of his Toyota Hilux. Always well guided by Mathieu Baumel, the title holder did not tempt the devil during this 4^e stage thus crossing the finish line in 4^e position.

A very good result for the rest of this Dakar since Nasser Al-Attiyah increased his lead over Yazeed Al-Rajhi over whom he currently has a lead of 18'18. “ It was a difficult stage with lots of camel grass and off-road, he emphasized. We had a puncture once but we managed to attack again. It was a good stage for us, we were fast and we didn't make any mistakes. Mathieu had good navigation. We are quite happy… The fourth day is over, we are now waiting for the fifth."

Watch out for Audis

Despite this lead, the Toyota driver does not get excited and for good reason. While they already seemed very fast, especially on the sand, the Audi RS Q e-tron will receive a little boost from the 5^e step after an Equivalence of Technology (EoT) adjustment. The T1Us from across the Rhine will receive an increase in maximum power of around 8 kW (10,8 horsepower).

The power of the Audi RS Q e-tron of Stéphane Peterhansel-Édouard Boulanger (3rd in the Dakar after stage 4), Carlos Sainz-Lucas Cruz (4th) and Mattias Ekström-Emil Bergkvist (8th) is increased to 266 kW (361,6 horsepower). A decision that comes into account from the 5th^e stage this Thursday and which especially made Nasser Al-Attiyah mad with rage.

On social networks, the last winner of the Dakar expressed his dissatisfaction. Angry, Nasser Al-Attiyah pointed the finger at the race management who according to him killed the race. “ What a surprise to give 11 additional hp to our main rival, he cursed. Thanks for killing the race so early. » Atmosphere in the bivouac.