Volkswagen assumed first and second positions overall with Carlos Sainz/Michel Périn and Giniel de Villiers/Dirk von Zitzewitz after they mastered the challenging conditions on the Dakar Rally’s second stage.
Sainz took victory in the Volkswagen Race Touareg on the dusty stage between Santa Rosa and Puerto Madryn in Argentina. The Spanish-French duo staged a thrilling fight for victory on the day with the Mitsubishi pair of Stéphane Peterhansel/Jean-Paul Cottret and won by 1:14 minutes.
Third best time was sufficient for Giniel de Villiers to improve, like his team mate, one position in the overall standings. The South African is now second 2:19 minutes off the lead. Mark Miller/Ralph Pitchford felt the full effect of the perils along the 237 stage kilometres, which all the Volkswagen drivers unanimously agreed to be significantly harder than yesterday’s stage and the subsequent 600 kilometre long liaison section to Puerto Madryn. They frequently had to avoid motorcyclists, twice lost their way in the dusty, hot track conditions and are now seventh overall.
The demands made of Dieter Depping/Timo Gottschalk were even harder. After losing time due to electrical problems yesterday, they had to start behind many slower vehicles, but completed the stage so quickly with a perfectly functioning Race Touareg that eleventh best time was the result.
Coming up …
Monday, 5 January: Stage 3, Puerto Madryn (RA) – Jacobacci (RA). On the third stage the Dakar Rally reveals its tough character. The section through Patagonia requires a completely different driving style than during the previous days in view of the significantly different terrain. The landscape is hillier and drivers with a preference for long corners will be in their element on the way to Jacobacci.
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