RACES

Loeb Enjoys Dakar Rest Day with Sainz in His Sights

Sebastien Loeb enjoyed the rest of the day in the Dakar Rally today after serving a clear reminder that Bahrain Raid Xtreme is still in the hunt for victory.

As the BRX technicians refreshed Loeb’s Prodrive Hunter with planned parts changes in Riyadh, the nine-time World Rally Champion needed no reminding that he scored a record-breaking six successive stage wins in Saudi Arabia last year.

With the same number of stages remaining up to the finish in Yanbu on Friday, Loeb and co-driver Fabian Lurquin have the Audi of rally leader Carlos in their sights in the opening round of this year’s World Rally-Raid Championship.

Loeb’s second success in the rally’s first week was hugely impressive, as it came on the 547-km 48-hour Chrono stage over the most enormous dunes in the world across the spectacular Empty Quarter.

With all mobile phones sealed in a bag and placed in their cars at the start of the two-day stage, the drivers could only speak to their chief engineer on a satellite phone before settling down for the night, given basic camping equipment and food.

The rally restarts tomorrow morning with a 483km stage to Al Duwadimi, with Sainz holding a 20-minute 21-second lead over Audi team-mate Mattias Ekström, who is nine minutes ahead of Loeb.

Staff Writer

Recent Posts

Lamborghini Iron Lynx Heads to Belgium for 6 Hours of Spa FIA WEC Event

Coming from a positive showing in its home round at Imola, Lamborghini Iron Lynx will…

1 day ago

Hyundai to Field Six Elantra N TCRs for the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca 120 Race

After two double podiums to start the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge (IMPC) season, Hyundai Motor…

1 day ago

Drivers Urged to Check Sunglasses Else Risk £5,000 Fines

Motorists have been urged to check their sunglasses are legal before driving to avoid penalty…

1 day ago

High-Tech Glass and Gaming – IDTechEx Explores Automotive Displays

Could video games and online shopping be possible while the car is on the move?…

2 days ago

Understanding Auto Care: Keeping Your New Car Pristine

When buying a new car, your most important job is keeping it in good condition.…

2 days ago

Motorists Are Unaware Their No Claims Discount Is Invalid

Motorists are warned they could still pay for invalidated protection, as incorrect details could void…

2 days ago