The 2013 Dakar in complete confusion

The situation is complicated this Saturday evening in Tucuman, place of the finish of the 8th stage of this Dakar. Already cut from its first chronological sector, deemed impassable, the stage was neutralized at CP2 of the second chronological sector due to a flooded river which prevented the vast majority of competitors from passing. Seven car crews nevertheless managed to reach the finish, first and foremost Guerlain Chicherit (SMG buggy) who should thus win his first victory on this 2013 Dakar. The first in the general classification, Stéphane Peterhansel (Mini was also able to finish, but not his provisional runner-up, Nasser Al-Attiyah (Qatar buggy).

According to the information circulating at the bivouac, a fixed time should be retained for all crews who have not reached the finish. But unlike WRC, this time would not be the same for everyone. It should be calculated based on the gap recorded at the last crossing point of all cars. This is one of the differences between ES (special stage) in rally and SS (selective sector) in rally-raid. In any case, the stage classification and the general classification before the rest day will not be known until very late in the evening.