The third stage of the Dakar, starting and finishing in Wadi Ad-Dawasir, with 403 kilometers of special, promised to be a difficult one for all the teams. Nani Roma and Sébastien Loeb, with the BRX team, completed a new day without major setbacks.
Nani Roma: Stage classification in sixteenth position, 26 ’31’ ‘from first place. In the general classification he rises to the gates of the top ten, eleventh, at 1h 04 ’21’ ‘from the first participant, Stéphane Peterhansel.
“It was a difficult day, very complete, with stones, with trials, with tracks, with sand, with wind and very little visibility. Everything made things very difficult. For us, as for most, it has been difficult to navigate. I think everyone has made mistakes”.
“We would like to be higher and lose less time, but it is what it is. We have to accept it and progress every day from here. We are happy to be here, how the car has gone so far, the team, what we learn every day … I think we have to be satisfied“.
Sébastien Loeb: Stage classification in sixth position, 30:53 minutes behind the leader. In the general classification he maintains the same position, 45 ’49’ ‘from the lead, in the hands of Stéphane Peterhansel.
“Three new punctures and a small navigation error at the end of today’s stage that prevent us from achieving a good shot in general. We have done a great job because many have suffered more than us. We have a lot of pace and it is very encouraging for the rest. of the rally”.
