Dakar 2015

[kober]

Over a year to go, and the 2014 rally hasn't even started yet, but there already some rumours about the 2015 edition, mainly sourced from L'Equipe, for example: Dakar: Return of Peugeot? (http://www.sport365.fr/auto-moto/rallye/dakar-retour-de-peugeot-1071102.shtml). Keeping it short: Peterhansel, 2WD buggy, Red Bull sponsored.

[kober]

Peugeot linked to Dakar return (http://www.maxrally.com/2013/11/06/peugeot-linked-to-dakar-return)

[Tom206wrc]

Now AutoHebdo on this week announces that Sainz and Loeb could join Peterhansel in the Dakar Peugeot Team ;)

[makinen_fan]

Nice news! I hope that it will become reality!

[MartijnS]

Erik van Loon switches to Mini for Dakar 2015 and will drive 4 Baja's/ Cross Country rallies to prepare this year.

I think ten Brinke will make the same switch..but thats just a thought ;)

[NaBUru38]

It's been discussed officially that the race could be extended to 20 days!

That would make it an even harder race, but also allow more countries to ho$t $tage$.

[Tom206wrc]

According to today AS(spanish magazine), South-african driver Giniel de Villiers would be the third Peugeot Dakar driver and the official announcement would be for end march ;)

[Tom206wrc]

Today a spanish media talks about a 3 years contract between Peugeot and...Carlos Sainz ;)

[Eli]

Today a spanish media talks about a 3 years contract between Peugeot and...Carlos Sainz ;)
not only spanish:
http://www.autohebdo.fr/rallye/rallye-r ... -trois-ans (http://www.autohebdo.fr/rallye/rallye-raid/breve-26-4-85385/110314-sainz-avec-peugeot-pour-trois-ans)
Perhaps he will convince them to join the WRC afterwards like VW:)

[Zeakiwi]

Yazeed looks like he is ready for the Italian Baja.
http://youtu.be/CnSkjk7vdnU

[Tom206wrc]

According to the latest rumour the 3rd Peugeot driver could finally be Ronan Chabot :confused:

[Eli]

today Peugeot confirmed, they will be returning to the Dakar using sponsers Red Bull & Total.

[Tom206wrc]

More détails today at 1.30pm ;)

We know Carlos Sainz signed for 3 years :bounce:

Looks like it'll be the 2008 crossover which will be used(over a buggy chassis) :confused:

[Tom206wrc]

According to FranceTV website Cyril Després(motorcylcle winner in Dakar)would be one of the Peugeot drivers :eek: :eek: :confused:

Anyway at 1.30pm soon will be presented car and team ;)

[dimviii]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/113095

[Tom206wrc]

Strange but on some websites I read Peterhansel has also signed but on some others they don't mention him at all :confused:

[kober]

Peterhansel has a contract with X-raid until the end of May. Look for an announcement on the 1 of June :)

[kober]

The route is up: The 2015 Dakar: Marathon-style (http://www.dakar.com/dakar/2015/us/route.html)

[Mirek]

Big thing for trucks. Tatra and Buggyra managed to join three top Czech truckers under one team. New name of the team is Loprais Buggyra Dakar Forces. The three drivers are Loprais, Kolomý and Valtr. They will have same service, same colors, some common parts (such as Buggyra engines) and some common testings. They hope that with big team they can better fight with Kamaz and Iveco.

[vino_93]

great news ! they really deserve it !

[MartijnS]

https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/10256964_10152315427045733_8372574419202035545_n.j pg

[Tom206wrc]

More official pics of the Peugeot 2008 DKR on http://www.autohebdo.fr/ ;)

[MartijnS]

Peter van Merksteijn Jr is going to drive Dakar with a Mini, and we're most probably going again too with the team ;)

https://scontent-a-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/10314678_765093303524787_8008044621232083362_n.jpg

[Tom206wrc]

Today monday afternoon should be official announce of Stéphane Peterhansel with Peugeot :bounce:

[Zeakiwi]

I hope the 2008 Dakar is more reliable than the 'trolley' version.
http://www.redbull.com/en/motorsports/offroad/stories/1331658819393/peterhansel-peugeot-announcement

[makinen_fan]

Nasser will race with Toyota Hilux this year
http://www.gulf-times.com/sport/192/details/397418/nasser-al-attiyah-to-switch-to-toyota-for-dakar-2015

[NaBUru38]

So the factory teams look like this, am I right?

o- Toyota: Nasser Al-Attiyah, Giniel de Villiers
o- Mini: Nani Roma, Kriztof Holowczyk, Orlando Terranova.
o- Peugeot: Carlos Sainz, Stéphane Peterhansel, Cyril Déspres.

[MartijnS]

Video by my brother Joost of the first test of Peter van Merksteijn Jr. with the Mini!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOJ80cSvUbQ

[manthey]

2008 dkr

peugeot return (similar claim to Porsche Le Mans "Mission 2014: our return")

tech specs
http://www.redbull.com/en/motorsports/offroad/stories/1331662889831/peugeot-2008-dkr-tech-specs-and-action-images

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yElN0rDijy4

[Zeakiwi]

I wonder how the Peugeot will go against the 2nd year Gordon HST?
http://youtu.be/rCyFDzG_XqE

[Mirek]

Considering Gordon's performance over last Dakar edition I'm sure Peugeot aims higher.

[Grant_RSA]

Nasty nasty Mirek :-D , i see Gordon is doing a lot of testing at the moment, looks like the same car as this year.

Spoke to someone at Toyota this last weekend, some rule changes may help the Toyota's become a bit more competitive for 2015. Al Attiyah must be fairly confident to make the move when he could have the pick of teams he wants to compete for.

[MartijnS]

Al Attiyah still in doubt? Why else would he drive a HRX Ford from Wevers in Spain this weekend? :)

[Grant_RSA]

That is strange, i am just working on the articles such as

http://www.marathonrally.com/news/dakar_rally_2015_former_winner_nasser_al_attiyah_t o_switch_to_toyota_2015.24458.0.html

It mentions Overdrive, i spoke to the Hallspeed guys.

[MartijnS]

Yes I've read it too :)

Video of todays test of Al Attiyah https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=574106642694462

[manthey]

Yes I've read it too :)

Video of todays test of Al Attiyah https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=574106642694462

nice! I thought Toyota but instead it's a ford Hrx developed by wevers sport...

[MartijnS]

Yes, the press release for Dakar has been published some while ago that he'd drive the Toyota, but now he's testing the HRX in Spain this weekend.
Al Rajhi quickest at SSS. Al Attiyah third.

[MitFan]

Considering Gordon's performance over last Dakar edition I'm sure Peugeot aims higher.

In fact too high I thought.. :D Doesn't it look like it will roll.. :D :D ?

[MitFan]

Nasty nasty Mirek :-D , i see Gordon is doing a lot of testing at the moment, looks like the same car as this year.

Spoke to someone at Toyota this last weekend, some rule changes may help the Toyota's become a bit more competitive for 2015. Al Attiyah must be fairly confident to make the move when he could have the pick of teams he wants to compete for.

Interesting point. Easy to think why Peterhansel switched, but why Al Attiyah? Minis' are still considerably ahead of the pack I thought. They did pretty well in Spain. Any idea what the rule change is like? Mitsubishi Brazil seems to have opted for Diesel this time around.

[Co-driven]

I read somewhere that the changes in rules would be +50kg in the diesel powered cars, with the same restrictor diameter. The gasoline cars would have -50kg and a smaller restrictor.

I hnk it was something like that, maybe I'm mixing things upwith other subjects. But if I find the source I'll post it here.

[NaBUru38]

The Desafío Guaraní is underway in Paraguay.

Juan Manuel "Pato" Silva is leading the car classification on his Colcar prototype.

In bikes, Franciso "Chaleco" López leads with KTM, David Casteau is second with KTM, Pablo Quintanilla is third, and Germán Fernández is fourth.

In quads 4x2, the top riders are Sergio "Osito" Lafuente, Nelson Sanabria, Alexis Fernández and Beto Ramírez, all with Yamaha.

[MitFan]

I read somewhere that the changes in rules would be +50kg in the diesel powered cars, with the same restrictor diameter. The gasoline cars would have -50kg and a smaller restrictor.

I hnk it was something like that, maybe I'm mixing things upwith other subjects. But if I find the source I'll post it here.

Many thanks. Whatever it is the Diesels still have the edge I think. Don't think Toyota has a good diesel option like the European manufacturers though.

[Grant_RSA]

I read somewhere that the changes in rules would be +50kg in the diesel powered cars, with the same restrictor diameter. The gasoline cars would have -50kg and a smaller restrictor.

I hnk it was something like that, maybe I'm mixing things upwith other subjects. But if I find the source I'll post it here.

That is what i was told as well, they do still think they will be on the backfoot... they probably need to go Diesel, but from what i have read in the past the budget isnt there.

[MitFan]

That is what i was told as well, they do still think they will be on the backfoot... they probably need to go Diesel, but from what i have read in the past the budget isnt there.

Indeed. This is why I smell a rat! I haven't seen Toyota acknowledge Al Attiyah in their team. Have they? Since his announcement re Toyota, he has raced for Mini and HRX Ford. HRX Ford has its roots with Mitsubishi. Mitsubishi Petrobras has a Diesel now with Carlos Sousa already signed up. So if not Mini, could we see Al Attiyah with Mitsubishi?

[MitFan]

In fact too high I thought.. :D Doesn't it look like it will roll.. :D :D ?

Difficult to imagine Peugeot engineers wouldn't have thought of center of gravity. Maybe the actual race car will have lower suspension settings and small diameter tires..?

Anybody knows when their first race before the Dakar is?

[Grant_RSA]

Indeed. This is why I smell a rat! I haven't seen Toyota acknowledge Al Attiyah in their team. Have they? Since his announcement re Toyota, he has raced for Mini and HRX Ford. HRX Ford has its roots with Mitsubishi. Mitsubishi Petrobras has a Diesel now with Carlos Sousa already signed up. So if not Mini, could we see Al Attiyah with Mitsubishi?

The press release mentioned Overdrive and not Hallspeed, as far as i know Hallspeed will remain De Villiers/Poulter , unless its a 3rd car.

Nasser doesnt seem to have strong ties with any manufacturer and moves around freely, only time will tell.

[Zeakiwi]

Peugeot hope to be ready for Morocco in October.

[MitFan]

Peugeot hope to be ready for Morocco in October.

Great!! All the big guns will be there. Hope we see a Peugeot like this:179

[Zeakiwi]

Who drew the better? Peugeot design ?
http://www.autohebdo.fr/rallye/rallye-raid/article-26-4-22359/111213-peugeot-sport-lorgne-sur-le-dakar

[MitFan]

Who drew the better? Peugeot design ?
http://www.autohebdo.fr/rallye/rallye-raid/article-26-4-22359/111213-peugeot-sport-lorgne-sur-le-dakar

Quite right. This Peugeot has the traditional air scoop on the roof too!

Lets wait and see. I don't think Peugeot is showing all its cards yet.

[MitFan]

The press release mentioned Overdrive and not Hallspeed, as far as i know Hallspeed will remain De Villiers/Poulter , unless its a 3rd car.

Nasser doesnt seem to have strong ties with any manufacturer and moves around freely, only time will tell.

Bernhard ten Brinke with Overdrive Hallspeed:
http://www.bernhardtenbrinke.com/rallyraid-dakar/bernhard-ten-brinke-met-topteam-naar-dakar-2015

How many Toyotas & Minis for 2015? Between the two manufactures more than 10 vehicles maybe. Then comes the 3 Peugeots (at least 3) and perhaps more than a couple of Mitsus.

Any other suspects?

One hell of a war zone this Dakar will be!!

[MitFan]

Bernhard ten Brinke with Overdrive Hallspeed:
http://www.bernhardtenbrinke.com/rallyraid-dakar/bernhard-ten-brinke-met-topteam-naar-dakar-2015

How many Toyotas & Minis for 2015? Between the two manufactures more than 10 vehicles maybe. Then comes the 3 Peugeots (at least 3) and perhaps more than a couple of Mitsus.

Any other suspects?

One hell of a war zone this Dakar will be!!

Anyone know whether XRAID is going with BMWs or Minis for 2015?

[Zeakiwi]

Roma is doing the Inca Rally in September.
http://www.sertoes.com/ (20 - 30th August)

http://www.desafioinca.com/en/ (12-14th September)

http://www.australasiansafari.com.au/website/home.html (20th - 27th September)

[Fri]

Nasser will drive Toyota Hilux on the next World Cup event, Hungarian Baja:

https://www.facebook.com/CCRally/photos/a.1506223892937289.1073741827.1506221566270855/1608840002675677/?type=1&ref=notif&notif_t=like

[Grant_RSA]

Nasser will drive Toyota Hilux on the next World Cup event, Hungarian Baja:

https://www.facebook.com/CCRally/photos/a.1506223892937289.1073741827.1506221566270855/1608840002675677/?type=1&ref=notif¬if_t=like

Well that confirms earlier reports.

[MitFan]

Well that confirms earlier reports.

Ok gentleman, pull your cheque books out!

Time to place your bets for the top 5 in alphabetical order. Lets assume Al attiyah is with Toyota.
Mine is :

Al attiyah - Totyota
De Villiers - Toyota
Gordon - Hummer
Roma - BMW Mini
Souza - Mitsubishi

Cant put any Peugeot drivers in the list yet. Know too little about the team.

[Mirek]

Carlos Sainz and Cyril Despres will drive Peugeot.

[MitFan]

Carlos Sainz and Cyril Despres will drive Peugeot.

Very good drivers, Peterhansel included. However very little is known about the car and the rest of the team. Considering the rest of the competitors and their experience, Peugeot might have a tough first year. Lets see how they perform in Morocco in October.

[Grant_RSA]

Ok gentleman, pull your cheque books out!

Time to place your bets for the top 5 in alphabetical order. Lets assume Al attiyah is with Toyota.
Mine is :

Al attiyah - Totyota
De Villiers - Toyota
Gordon - Hummer
Roma - BMW Mini
Souza - Mitsubishi

Cant put any Peugeot drivers in the list yet. Know too little about the team.

I wouldnt discard Leeroy Poulter in the Toyota as a wild card, he is crazy fast and his baptism of fire on the last Dakar will stand him in good stead.

Peugoet will definately be crazy fast out the blocks, they wont do half measures.

[MitFan]

Do we have a lawyer on the forum?

Just noticed 2015 regulations on the official Dakar Rally website: http://netstorage.lequipe.fr/ASO/dakar/2015/reglements/Reglement_Auto_Camion_Dakar_2015_UK_V_FINALE.pdf

A little confusing it is.

Am I right in concluding that the Diesel engine of the Mitsubishi ASX would have a 36mm air restrictor and the BMW Mini/X series would have 38mm air restrictor?

BMW diesels is a homologated engine. I don't think the Mitsubishi is. i.e. basic components from vehicle in production????

:confused::confused::confused:

[Co-driven]

I heard that Mitsubishi Brasil is using a BMW/Mini engine.

[MitFan]

223Wow. Makes sense. In fact I have seen a picture of a Peugeot that looks like it's on a BMW frame. Never seen or heard of it in a rally though. Perhaps for testing purposes?

[Zeakiwi]

223Wow. Makes sense. In fact I have seen a picture of a Peugeot that looks like it's on a BMW frame. Never seen or heard of it in a rally though. Perhaps for testing purposes?

I think it was built in the Photoshop engineering department. There are at least four or 5 on the net.
http://ink361.com/app/users/ig-342149494/ilpratz/photos

[makinen_fan]

From this thursday we are back to FIA Cross Country Rally World Cup with Nasser Al-Attiyah Team & Overdrive Racing during HunGarian Baja !!!
https://www.facebook.com/cincinmovies/photos/a.201955719909558.36013.176524632452667/597482267023566/?type=1

https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/t1.0-9/10551118_597482267023566_6243897994627777469_n.jpg

[MitFan]

I think it was built in the Photoshop engineering department. There are at least four or 5 on the net.
http://ink361.com/app/users/ig-342149494/ilpratz/photos

Quite right!!
:bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce:

[MitFan]

[QUOTE=makinen_fan;1008733]From this thursday we are back to FIA Cross Country Rally World Cup with Nasser Al-Attiyah Team & Overdrive Racing during HunGarian Baja !!!

3 Minis too!! Will be very interesting.
http://www.hungarianbaja.com/fileadmin/userfiles/HBaja_2014/PDF-ek/hunbaja_entrylist_cars_trucks_2014_0807_vegleges.p df

[Zeakiwi]

Nasser at the Hungarian Baja, 2014.
http://youtu.be/VpKdKi1Xrcs Day 2, Day 1 video has a backwards spin through trees.

http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/sports/qatar-sport/296157/al-attiyah-seals-dramatic-win-for-overdrive-racing-in-hungary

[Grant_RSA]

Great results for Nasser, makes me happy ... Toyota and the South African connection. Toyota is going to be very strong at Dakar 2015

[MitFan]

Toyota has started well with dos sertoes.. Mitsubishi Brasil close behind.. I think Spinelli is holding back a little. Lets see.

[Zeakiwi]

Rally dos Sertoes 2014 etapa 1 -
http://youtu.be/OApcE2jULyM

[Co-driven]

Spinelli won the second stage and now is the leader. Varela, with the Toyota, had a puncture and still would be the rally leader, but received a 10 minutes penalty for overspeeding on a radar zone, which he said wasn't 100% clear in the road book where it started. Now he's down to 23th.
Second and third are the Baumgart brother, each with a South African Ford Ranger.

My guess is that we'll see a huge push from Varela on the next days.

[MitFan]

Ford Ranger is very fast. Baumgart too would have been ahead of Spinelli if not for the 5 minute penalty for missing a way point. Long way more to go. Overall Varela is 4th and not far behind with the penalty. Very interesting. Are there sand dunes on this rally?

[MitFan]

I have this feeling that the Ford Ranger is a HRX Ford underneath. Different teams though..

[Co-driven]

No, there won't be any dunes. This year because of the World Cup the Rally will be shorter, with only seven days.
Varela is still taking time from the rest of the pack, let's see if he will have enough time to recover the time lost with the penalty. Today we'll have the marathon stage, in which only driver and co-driver can service the car.

Don't know about the Rangers. Before the last Dakar, I heard that they were quite similar to the Asx Racing, but can't confirm how much of a rumour that is.

[MartijnS]

Baja Poland this weekend. With Al-Attiyah and also Ten Brinke, who drives his first rally with the Toyota.

[MitFan]

No, there won't be any dunes. This year because of the World Cup the Rally will be shorter, with only seven days.
Varela is still taking time from the rest of the pack, let's see if he will have enough time to recover the time lost with the penalty. Today we'll have the marathon stage, in which only driver and co-driver can service the car.

Don't know about the Rangers. Before the last Dakar, I heard that they were quite similar to the Asx Racing, but can't confirm how much of a rumour that is.

Ok. The stage after the marathon stage might give an indication which way rhe rallyis heading.

Really! So there was a rumour. Looking at pictures of the Ranger I think there isreason for the rumour.

[MitFan]

Baja Poland this weekend. With Al-Attiyah and also Ten Brinke, who drives his first rally with the Toyota.

Battle of the Titans. If Al Attiyah wins, he might decide to stay with Toyota for the dakar. Looking at his interviews, it seems like he has not made that decision yet.

[Grant_RSA]

The Rangers were built in South Africa by NWM, they have been building cars for SA offroad events for a number of years now and are the latest evolution, the 1 car participated in SA just before it was shipped there and the 2nd was a brand new car.

Anyone keen on following their facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/nwmsport?fref=ts

[MitFan]

The Rangers were built in South Africa by NWM, they have been building cars for SA offroad events for a number of years now and are the latest evolution, the 1 car participated in SA just before it was shipped there and the 2nd was a brand new car.

Anyone keen on following their facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/nwmsport?fref=ts

Yes, very interested. Thanks!!
Need to apologies for any offence my assumptions may have caused.

The performance of the Ford Ranger is admirable on the Dos Sertoes and hence I took a closer look at it for the first time and noticed some similarities with the former factory Mitsu frame. Hence the comments.

[Grant_RSA]

No worries Mitfan, i am just a proud saffer , the Toyota's and Fords are originating from deepest darkest africa :-) love seeing them do so well.

NWM has delivered a few more cars across the world so expect to see some more good results.

[Zeakiwi]

Varela - Overdrive Toyota win Rally dos Sertoes 2014.
http://www.overdriveracing.be/lire.php?id_news=102&lang=EN

The Ford Ranger looked like it has quick gear changes. Has Nasser tested a South African Ford Ranger?

[MitFan]

Varela - Overdrive Toyota win Rally dos Sertoes 2014.
http://www.overdriveracing.be/lire.php?id_news=102&lang=EN

The Ford Ranger looked like it has quick gear changes. Has Nasser tested a South African Ford Ranger?

Confusing results. Official Results show Spinelli as overall winner
http://www.webventure.com.br/sertoes2014/resultados/mostrapop/pagina/resultados-frame?pdf=7-geralcarros

There was a accident in the last stage which may have changed the provisional standings :confused::confused:

I haven't heard anything about Nasser testing Ford Ranger yet. Anyone knows what his next rally is and in which vehicle?

[Co-driven]

Well, a huge confusion in the end.
To me (and a bunch of people) Varela was the winner of the Rally dos Sertões. He was the fastest driver at the end, even after receiving a 10-min penalty that was a bit dubious (it was a radar penalty, but according to them it wasn't clear i the roadbook. To bikes/quads/UTVs drivers no penalty was applied in this point because of that, but to the Cars they were kept). Besides that, there was an accident in the last stage and the rules of the Rally dos Sertões says that the stage must count only until that point. So, applying the rule, Varela was fastest on the stage but not enough to overcome Spinelli.

So, in the end, Spinelli was the winner, but everybody knows that he wasn't the fastest.

And, on the fifth stage there was a huge confusion. Varela's son was competing on the UTVs class and he had brake problems. His radio antenna also fell and he couldn't hear anything on the radio. He stayed in the way of his father for about 14km, making him lose some time. And he also stayed in the way of Spinelli on the last 20 kilometers of the stage. And the end of the stage, Spinelli was really mad and said so e bullshit, including to the media, saying that the Varela family was playing dirty and all those things. In the end, they prooved it was just a huge coincidence and Spinelli even had to retreat himslef publicly.

[Zeakiwi]

The last Australasian Safari is on now(a Dakar qualifier). I think a South African? crew had their buggy burn on the prologue. A few interesting vehicles. NWM T1 Ford Ranger, the repowered ex-SA Champion 4wd buggy, the hybrid Mitsi Outlander, the Steve Riley's 4wd Commodore ute, Garland/ Suzuki - Dakar T1 - Isuzu DMax, Di Lallo - T2 Isuzu MUX. etc
These are probably the best posted videos from this year's event so far.
http://youtu.be/DAsBrbs5l2o
OR Leg 1
http://youtu.be/EQX4IsUiwfA

[Grant_RSA]

I really enjoyed Cyril Depres comment towards the end.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLVyRAt2cxbxsZ7n0SLfOsQPBZGBap6Yd_&v=K8SHwathFtA&feature=player_embedded

[MartijnS]

The livery of the Mini of Peter van Merksteijn Jr has been presented today.

https://scontent-a-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10653413_834548506579266_1699375247057107689_n.jpg ?oh=01e02c2c3df630e66cdf28c50723c856&oe=549082DD

The team will participate in the Oilibya Rallye du Maroc next week. Peter van Merksteijn Sr. will drive too, but with the Wevers Sport Ford HRX! My brother is going with them to shoot videos. I was supposed to go too, but couldnt get two weeks off at work...

[raybak]

The last Australasian Safari is on now(a Dakar qualifier). I think a South African? crew had their buggy burn on the prologue. A few interesting vehicles. NWM T1 Ford Ranger, the repowered ex-SA Champion 4wd buggy, the hybrid Mitsi Outlander, the Steve Riley's 4wd Commodore ute, Garland/ Suzuki - Dakar T1 - Isuzu DMax, Di Lallo - T2 Isuzu MUX. etc
These are probably the best posted videos from this year's event so far.
http://youtu.be/DAsBrbs5l2o
OR Leg 1
http://youtu.be/EQX4IsUiwfA

We finished 14th after missing a stage due to multiple fuel pump failure. The course was extremely tough and very rough. We went through quite a few tyres, lot's of broken bits as well. New Chev engine was great once the new fuel pump was fitted.

Ray

[MitFan]

Looks like Peugeot has postponed its debut with the DKR 2008. No sign of seeing them over the weekend in Morocco.
Nasser's name is on the list but don't know what car... ??:confused:

[raybak]

Nasser in an Overdrive Toyota?

Peter Jerie from Australia is running in an Overdrive Toyota in Morocco.

[MartijnS]

Nasser posted on Instagram that he will drove a Toyota indeed!

First video of Team van Merksteijn, compilation of 2 days testing tuesday and wednesday!
More video's during the rally :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xj2eCjDhdv0

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10338687_838192106214906_8082859996142980365_n.jpg ?oh=50422665cb8ba3ece911e62eaac70a5c&oe=54C639E8&__gda__=1418019202_f24cb6e1910da2d8d5049f8d1766920 3

[MitFan]

Thanks chaps. Hope we see a good contest!!

[MitFan]

Strange that he drives a Mini though...

[MartijnS]

Yes indeed. Black one. Strange guy ;)

[MartijnS]

First stage:

1. Terranova
2. De-Villiers +0.22
3. Al-Attiyah +1.05
4. Ten Brinke +3.37
5. Dabrowski +6.49
6. Van Loon +6.59
13. Van Merksteijn sr +18.02
14. Roma +24.00
30. Van Merksteijn jr +1.02.58 (Brake problems)

[Co-driven]

I think that one reason that Al-Attiyah keeps chsmging cars is that he also wants to win the World Cup and, therefore, chooses the cars that best suits each rally.

[Zeakiwi]

Peterhansel interview are there any relevations?
http://www.peugeot-sport.com/fr/accueil.html

[MitFan]

Does youtube translate?
Dont know how to do it.

In Morocco I think Van Merksteijn JN broke the car..

[MartijnS]

Yes, they had a big crash.
Rolled 5 times.

However, it looks like they will restart again tomorrow in order to make some milage before Dakar :) Cage seemed okay and the damage looked bigger at first than when they took a good look at the car.

Here's the video of van Merksteijn, in which everything is explained and showed :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNlv1W4fbOI

[MartijnS]

Sunday afternoon

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/1502524_621466974640986_7336025318369962494_n.jpg? oh=b368e78e742416b13f86e9ba1992f425&oe=54B357E8&__gda__=1420717729_cbe25e37680750be91c776ed0528bed 0

Now
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/s480x480/10616502_10204094781921539_4534033383090342689_n.j pg?oh=675ba81ca5feb5caa859f962c070c301&oe=54C307F4&__gda__=1425589218_4e283a8996ad7e03398df1c61091223 f

:)

Video of stage 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkgUOgayKIc

[raybak]

Peter Jerie in car 325 was first on the scene for the accident, stopped to offer assistance but not much they could do. Peter is having a good run in the Overdrive Toyota in 16th place. Now for me to push for the gig with him for Dakar:)

Ray

[MartijnS]

Mini Podium:

1. Al-Attiyah
2. Terranova
3. Van Loon

[MitFan]

All Mini podium!!
Very happy for Van Loon.

Toyota doesn't seem to have made much progress since last Dakar.
3,2,4..... ????

Where is Peugeot?
Anyone read inbetween the lines of Peterhansel's interview?

[MartijnS]

Joost made this shot of quite a big moment of Alvarez :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVwcSXUnpyw

[MartijnS]

No Dakar for Team van Merksteijn. After Morocco they came to the conclusion that the team is not ready yet.
So I'm not going either, sucks! But bigger program next year, so more trips coming up probably, working towards Dakar 2016!

[manthey]

Mini Podium:

1. Al-Attiyah
2. Terranova
3. Van Loon

I read that Al-Attiyah had a lower/previous step/spec than Terranova on Mini

Do you know the differences? map?power? suspension or other?
thanks

[MartijnS]

Don't know about that, but I do know that he doesn't get a Mini for the next round in Portugal, as Xraid wants the Russian client to win the championship as he drove with them the whole year :)

[Medved]

Loprais will not start with his TATRA, he will drive MAN.

[MitFan]

Nasser in HRX Ford for Baja Portalegre.

Ten Brinke, Varela in Toyotas

Vladimir in Mini.

Good contest!

[MitFan]

Ricardo Porem wins Baja Portalegre in Mini. Vladimir does enough to win championship. A proffesional performance by Mini.

Nasser is a free spirit but i think he would shine most in a Mini... for 2015 that is.

[Tom206wrc]

Tomorrow monday Peugeot will officially reveal the livery of the 2008 DKR for Dakar 2015 ;)

And on wednesday the organizers will present the parcours of the event and the entrylist :)

Note that X-Raid Team will have 8 Minis on this event :eek:

[manthey]

Note that X-Raid Team will have 8 Minis on this event :eek:

3 officials and 5 clients cars

Joan Roma with Michel Périn, will lead the Monster Energy Rally Raid Team. Also experts Orlando Terranova with Bernardo Graue and Krzysztof Holowczyc with Xavier Panseri

[MartijnS]

http://img.motorpasionf1.com/2014/11/p-20141117-00039_hires_jpeg_24bit_rgb.jpg

Nice!

[manthey]

seems more dark this red bull livery on 2008 DKR

http://img.motorpasionf1.com/galleries/team-peugeot-total-peugeot-2008dkr/P-20141117-00032_HiRes%20JPEG%2024bit%20RGB.jpg

[MartijnS]

Al-Attiyah not with a Toyota. Press release of Overdrive doesn't mention him as one of the ten cars they run together with Hallspeed.

Al-Rajhi will drive in a Toyota, curious how he's going to perform!

[Grant_RSA]

Here's the link.

https://www.facebook.com/notes/overdrive-racing/overdrive-and-hallspeed-join-forces-to-run-10-toyota-hiluxes-in-gruelling-dakar-/761590070594341?pnref=story

[MartijnS]

Al-Attiyah with a Mini.

[MitFan]

Competitor list:

http://www.dakar.com/dakar/2015/us/rider/rider-list-cars.html#ancre

Maybe a name or two missing,
Toyota's Varela from Brazil not there... :confused:

[Co-driven]

Competitor list:

http://www.dakar.com/dakar/2015/us/rider/rider-list-cars.html#ancre

Maybe a name or two missing,
Toyota's Varela from Brazil not there... :confused:

Varela is not going. He'll only go if he can get a last minute deal that is really good financially.

[vino_93]

no Lopez on bike ? :(

[Co-driven]

I've seen recently that Chaleco Lopez decided to retire from Cross Country Rally because of an injury he had on his knee earlier this year. He still isn't 100% fit and still fells pains.
The news also said that he would go to RallyMobil (Chile National Rally Championship) in 2015.

[vino_93]

Disappointing for Dakar, good for RallyMobil :) I hope he will do Dakar in a car in the future !

[Co-driven]

Disappointing for Dakar, good for RallyMobil :) I hope he will do Dakar in a car in the future !

Yes, that's the idea.

[Mirek]

Off topic on...

The first ever Czech vehicle on Dakar, Liaz truck No. 627 from Dakar 85' is going for an expedition trip to Dakar, Senegal. This truck is very famous among Czechs thanks to its plastic model which almost everyone including me had as a child. For me it has another special aspect because I was born during this rally, exactly on the day of special stage Néma-Tichit held on 17. January 85' :)

Some pics of the truck today: http://auto.idnes.cz/liaz-rally-pariz-dakar-06s-/auto_ojetiny.aspx?c=A141127_093435_auto_ojetiny_fd v

Off topic off :)

[vino_93]

how will he go to Dakar ? Road or see ? Because the usual roads are dangerous right now ...

[Mirek]

They want to start on 27th December in Prague, go to Paris and from there to Dakar and than back, all by roads. I don't know exact route though.

[Grant_RSA]

Some info on the upgrades to the Toyota's for this year.

http://www.bdlive.co.za/life/motoring/2014/12/04/international-motorsport-ready-to-tough-it-out

[MitFan]

Lackluster build up to the Dakar....

[MitFan]

Some info on the upgrades to the Toyota's for this year.

http://www.bdlive.co.za/life/motoring/2014/12/04/international-motorsport-ready-to-tough-it-out

Will it be at the Dakar that Toyota implements these new regulations for the first time or did they race in Morocco with the changes?

[Grant_RSA]

From my understand the car used in Morocco was a car used in our domestic championship by Leeroy Poulter, i will have to try to find out if the new regulations were in place.

The car used was not the newest EVO version ie change in weight distribution etc.

[MitFan]

Ah ok. Thanks.

[MitFan]

Peugeot on Top Gear
http://www.topgear.com/uk/photos/peugeot-dakar-rally-car-gallery-2014-12-05

[Grant_RSA]

Short Video on the Toyota

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=s57B2JGIRXw

[manthey]

from italian carmagazine "Quattroruote", interview with Famin
interesting about budget (vs rally/le mans/rally/pikes peak) and main objectives
http://www.quattroruote.it/news/rally/2014/12/13/peugeot_alla_dakar_famin_obbiettivo_affidabilita_. html

[makinen_fan]

A lot of photos of preparations for Dakar
https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/113651942989104939501/albums/6085168162984475265

[Zeakiwi]

Dakar Ford Ranger and Villagra playing in the sand.
http://youtu.be/Id81FzhWJRg

[trifonvl]

Nice video of Robby Gordon preparations for the Dakar!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQWiIFVPBdU

[trifonvl]

Nice video of Robby Gordon preparations for the Dakar!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQWiIFVPBdU

...and the 2nd part...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2agiCfzLlo

[MartijnS]

Only few days left! Looking forward to the footage :)

[Tom206wrc]

Can't wait for the event to start...GO PETER' :bounce:

[tolis]

Ceremonial start live!
http://www.tvpublica.com.ar/

[trifonvl]

Ceremonial start live!
http://www.tvpublica.com.ar/

Thanks Tolis!!!!

[Tom206wrc]

It was great to follow the cars presentation in live video ;)

[dimviii]

nice photo
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B6cxKnzCAAASIT1.jpg

[makinen_fan]

Guys, is there any other website for live results except the official site? I find it a bit confusing how they present the results.

[Tom206wrc]

Guys, is there any other website for live results except the official site? I find it a bit confusing how they present the results.


I don't know if it will really work properly during the race but I found this http://www.trackingdakar.nl/ :confused:

[raybak]

Only 2 hours until first bike starts. I'll be following Peter Jerie in car 358, I have codriven for him in many events. He is now with Overdrive and part of the package is they supply the codriver, so no gig for me:(

Ray

[Kalm]

I don't know if it will really work properly during the race but I found this http://www.trackingdakar.nl/ :confused:

Last year it worked a lot better than the official one :)

[makinen_fan]

I don't know if it will really work properly during the race but I found this http://www.trackingdakar.nl/ :confused:

thank you, I will give it a try

[Tom206wrc]

Sam Sunderland from UK first leader in motorcycle(rides a KTM)after first check control point :cool:

[dimviii]

Nasser first

http://en.best-of-rallylive.com/News/2015-Dakar-Al-Attiyah-cars-and-Sunderland-bikes-on-top-after-Day-1

[dimviii]

https://www.flickr.com/photos/bestofrallylive/sets/72157649693319787/

[AndyRAC]

I presume he didn't take a short cut....... ;)

[stefanvv]

No worries, here it is allowed

[stefanvv]

Well, he has done something wrong, because is penalized, don't know what for:)

[dimviii]

Michael ‏@IVIich4eL 13 λεπτάΠριν από 13 λεπτά
Nasser Al-Attiyah 2 minutes penalty for non compliance with speed limits ! #Dakar2015

[N.O.T]

I doubt that Al-attiyah ever entered a competiton without trying to cheat... maybe the olympics. Maybe the fact that he has all that money makes him believe he is invinsible... it is sad... i will cry a bit later.... maybe.

[Mirek]

Does anybody know what is with Al-Attiyah?

[MartijnS]

Somebody said maybe transponder problems. But nothing to find anywhere.
Great stage of Ten Brinke so far!

[makinen_fan]

I hope thats true. We dont need another of the contenders for the victory out of the picture so soon (especially after Roma's problematic day 1)

[dimviii]

Peugeots not so fast?

[MartijnS]

No, Peterhansel is losing over an hour today.

[makinen_fan]

Nasser finished, 1st so far.
Peterhansel was losing only 2min up to WP11 and then dropped 50min. Something happened to Sainz as well, suddenly he lost 10min in WP10

[MartijnS]

Nasser fast.
Devilliers + 8.30
Ten Brinke +10.01 !
Holowczyz +11.12
Terranova +24.01 !!

[EightGear]

Apparently Sainz hit a bike rider in the sand. Sainz is quite concerned...

[dimviii]

seems another Peugeot fiasco till now

[Mirek]

Peterhansel was losing only 2min up to WP11 and then dropped 50min.

Peterhansel had stuck gearbox on second gear.


Apparently Sainz hit a bike rider in the sand. Sainz is quite concerned...

Hopefully it's not serious. Is there any more info?

[dimviii]

race dezert ‏@racedezertcom
Word from the ground at Dakar Rally is Robby Gordon is 30km from the finish of Stage 2 with tow strap in hand,.

[Mirek]

Buggy of Adam Malysz burned, he is out :(

By the way the closest battle is among trucks, also very mixed by machines with 9 different brands in top 15! Top 6 in just 2 minutes after leg 2, top 12 in 10 minutes.

[MartijnS]

Too bad!
His buggy looked great.

[makinen_fan]

Bikes accident, could be a lot worse for spectators
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qzs3121TjL4&feature=youtu.be

[dimviii]

Too bad!
His buggy looked great.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B6ncoZKIEAIJEIO.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B6ncnx4IYAAjymy.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B6ncnwsIIAEzfmj.jpg

[Grant_RSA]

I am very happy to see Giniel de Villiers is going well in the Toyota, they are going to suffer more and more as they go to higher altitudes, just hope they can maintain it.

[makinen_fan]

Good time by Sainz today but definitely that Peugeot is does not look fast
Also good performance by Yazeed in his first Dakar, now 5th overall.

[Mirek]

I wouldn't make conclusions too early. Let's wait how Pugs will do in dunes. It may change a lot. Also while today motorbikes went up to 3500 meters upon sea level cars and trucks stayed in valleys. Some proper high altitudes waiting as well.

[dimviii]

http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/january/ingrassia-dakar/page/2046--12-12-.html

[Mirek]

After leg 3:

Cars:
1. Al Attiyah (Mini) (2 min pen.)
2. De Villiers (Toyota) +5:18
3. Terranova (Mini) +18:05
4. Sainz (Peugeot) +19:32
5. Al Rahji (Toyota) +20:08
6. Holowczyc (Mini) +25:24
7. Van Loon (Mini) +27:43
8. Ten Brinke (Toyota) +36:22
9. Sousa (Mitsubishi) +41:52
10. La Vieille (Toyota) +43:38

Bikes
1. Barreda (Honda)
2. Goncalves (Honda) +5:33
3. Walkner (KTM) +10:33
4. Coma (KTM) +10:50
5. Faria (KTM) +12:10
6. Price (KTM) +12:24
7. Viladoms (KTM) +14:07
8. Israel (Honda) +18:33
9. Rodrigues (Honda) +18:34
10. Pedrero (Yamaha) +23:02

Trucks
1. Mardeev (Kamaz)
2. Loprais (Man) +7:55
3. Karginov (Kamaz) +7:58
4. Nikolaev (Kamaz) +8:07
5. Kolomý (Tatra) +8:22 (30 sec. pen.)
6. Vyazovich (Maz) +8:52
7. De Rooy (Iveco) +9:52 (30 sec. pen.)
8. Stacey (Iveco) +12:42 (1 min. pen.)
9. Sotnikov (Kamaz) +16:36 (2 min pen.)
10. Van Vliet (Man) +26:41

Quad
1. Sonik (Yamaha)
2. Lafuente (Yamaha) +4:55
3. Casale (Yamaha) +5:36
4. Halpern (Yamaha) +12:33
5. Abu-Issa (Honda) +21:33
6. Gonzales (Yamaha) +27:24
7. Sanabria (Yamaha) +42:34
8. Karyakin (Yamaha) +45:04
9. Nosiglia (Honda) +49:19
10. Copetti (Yamaha) +49:44

[dimviii]

Valmar Viisel | ‏@paddocknews 5 λεπ.Πριν από 5 λεπτά
Motorcyclist Michal Hernik dies during Dakar Rally.

[Mirek]

Tragic news :( Michal Hernik was Polish, he drove his first Dakar after which he would celebrate 40th birthday. He wasn't that unexperienced as in preparations for Dakar he finished Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge on 15th place.

In Polish: http://www.przegladsportowy.pl/polski-motocyklista-zginal-w-dakarze.-michal-hernik-nie-zyje,artykul,531140,1,12785.html

[J4MIE]

Really sad news, seems to be extreme conditions, very hot and a lot of dehydrated riders out there.

I'm really loving watching the TV coverage and am constantly thinking of going to watch one year. But then I see the temperature and know that I'd suffer a lot.... :(

[Grant_RSA]

Toyota Roundup of Stage 3

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=UCHz4ABYnTQ

[Mirek]

Sainz, Terranova and Gordon all stopped!

[dimviii]

16:35 Cars: Sainz in a tight spot
We have more information on Carlos Sainz's troubles. The Spaniard has had a mechanical problem and has turned back to look for his assistance truck.

[makinen_fan]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B6xV7QhCYAAMNTr.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B6xV7RTCQAANkPC.jpg

[dimviii]

Nasser Al-Attiyah extended his lead of the 2015 Dakar Rally with the fastest time on day four, as Orlando Terranova hit trouble and Peugeot's Carlos Sainz was also delayed.

The run from the Chilecito to Copiado stage was Al Attiyah's second win from four, though he was not quickest for the majority of the route and had to dig deep at the end to take top spot from last year's winner Nani Roma.

Roma was already long out of contention before the fourth day ended, following the oil pump failure that struck his Mini at the very start of the rally, but he was less than three minutes slower than X-raid Mini team-mate Al-Attiyah as he bids to rise up the order from 55th.

While Roma's fortunes improved, it was a disastrous stage for the third X-raid car of Terranova and the 2008 DKR of Sainz.

Terranova, quickest on day three, was third in the order at the start of the day but was forced to stop less than a quarter of the way into the 196-mile stage with a mechanical problem.

He was still working on his Mini when Sainz ran into his own technical issue and was forced to seek assistance from his support vehicle.

Though Giniel de Villiers (Toyota) remains second overall - more than eight minutes behind Al-Attiyah - after going third-fastest on day four, Dakar debutant Yazeed Al-Rajhi leapfrogged the stricken Terranova and Sainz to go third, more than 23 minutes behind the leader, with the fourth-fastest time.

Peugeot's second car fared much better in the hands of Dakar legend Stephane Peterhansel, whose fifth-best time of the day meant he is now inside the top 10, rising from 16th to eighth - 1h18m37s behind Al-Attiyah.

Bernhard Ten Brinke was only 32s slower than Peterhansel on the latest route, and that performance helped him make a big leap up the leaderboard, with the Toyota man jumping from eighth to fourth.

The Minis of Krzysztof Holowczyc and Erik Van Loon complete the Dakar's top six despite unspectacular efforts on the fourth day.
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/117304

[Mirek]

Sainz, Terranova, Gordon, Despres, De Rooy, Walkner, Kolomý, Macík, Viazovich and many others suffered with problems today... and many still suffer trying to get to the end of the special. By the way no Peugeot in top 10 after today and trucks became a Kamaz fest lately.

After leg 4

Cars
1. Al Attiyah (Mini) (2 min pen.)
2. De Villier (Toyota) +8:15
3. Al Rahji (Toyota) +23:33
4. Ten Brinke (Toyota) +42:33
5. Holowczyc (Mini) +43:30
6. Van Loon (Mini) +45:14
7. Sousa (Mitsubishi) +59:26
8. La Vieille (Toyota) +1:00:04
9. Rakhimbayev (Mini) +1:04:23 (30 sec pen.)
10. Chabot (SMG) +1:11:30

Bikes
1. Barreda (Honda)
2. Coma (KTM) +12:49
3. Goncalves (Honda) +20:29
4. Faria (KTM) +23:05
5. Viladoms (KTM) +24:51
6. Quintanilla (KTM) +30:42
7. Price (KTM) +32:05
8. Walkner (KTM) +33:28
9. Duclos (Sherco) +36:31
10. Rodrigues (Honda) +39:05

Trucks
1. Mardeev (Kamaz)
2. Nikolaev (Kamaz) +1:57
3. Karginov (Kamaz) +2:45 (30 sec pen.)
4. Loprais (Man) +12:42
5. Stacey (Iveco) +17:58 (1 min pen.)
6. Sotnikov (Kamaz) +27:09 (2 min pen.)
7. Viazovich (Maz) +37:39
8. Kolomý (Tatra) +44:17 (30 sec pen.)
9. Van Vliet (Man) +47:59
10. Van den Brink (Renault) +1:10:19 (2:30 pen.)

Quads
1. Sonik (Yamaha) (15 min pen.)
2. Lafuente (Yamaha) +3:49
3. Casale (Yamaha) +13:32 (20 min pen.)
4. Abu-Issa (Honda) +19:47
5. Halpern (Yamaha) +59:30
6. Copetti (Yamaha) +1:03:20
7. Gonzales (Yamaha) +1:08:26
8. Koolen (Honda) +1:08:49 (2 min pen.)
9. Nosiglia (Honda) +1:24:37 (20 min pen.)
10. Vinet (Can-am) +1:25:18

[makinen_fan]

Depres stopped after WP1. Peugeot's woes are not only about the 208T16....

[dimviii]

what do you mean Yannis?

[Mirek]

That 208 DKR car is pretty unreliable, just like the T16.

[dimviii]

thanks Mirek,didn t get it.We haven t see it to be fast too.

[makinen_fan]

Exactly that, every day at least one of the three cars has serious problems

another retirement:
Guerlain Chicherit ‏@GChicherit 6m6 minutes ago
Sadly it's the end for us in this year's @dakar. #ZebraBuggy caught fire, but we're ok! Details to follow #Dakar2015

[Mirek]

thanks Mirek,didn t get it.We haven t see it to be fast too.

The speed isn't bad. For example yesterday Peterhansel was leading until he picked up a puncture not far from the finish.

[dimviii]

dont follow it through stages and didn t know it,thanks Mirek.

[Co-driven]

Wasn't Loprais a Tatra driver?

Why is he competing with a MAN truck? Here in the Brazilian transmission of the Dakar, the narrators say that he wasn't supposed to race with this truck, but a Dutch driver couldn't come and Loprais got his truck.

[Mirek]

That's not the exact reason. The reason is that his Tatra was found non-eligible for the race and he had to switch in the last moment for another truck as it was not possible to fix what was wrong in such a short time. Anyway it's possible that the Man was prepared for someone else (why would they have one extra truck ready?).

[Mirek]

Looks like Sainz is stopped again.

[makinen_fan]

He just posted this in twitter (google translate)
Rolling in the dust of a quad we found this stone. We're fine, thank you all for your support and love

Looks like a big crash

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B62-FdBCYAE_X_H.jpg

[J4MIE]

Sainz has retired according to the TV coverage that's just been on. Real shame, he battled through the night to reach the BV, didn't get any sleep and looked exhausted...

Is there any way of getting the route of the Dakar that I can see it on Google Earth? I've plotted the info from the spectator information but it's not really much info to go on.... Hopefully I can make a plan to go and watch in the next couple of years :)

[Mirek]

After leg 5:

Cars
1. Al Attiyah (Mini)
2. De Villiers (Toyota) +10:35
3. Al Rahji (Toyota) +20:29
4. Holowczyc (Mini) +48:55
5. Van Loon (Mini) +53:25
6. Ten Brinke (Toyota) +56:19
7. Vasiljev (Mini) +1:09:52
8. Lavieille (Toyota) +1:13:59
9. Peterhansel (Peugeot) +1:19:17
10. Rakhimbayev (Mini) +1:31:32

Bikes
1. Barreda (Honda)
2. Coma (KTM) +10:33
3. Goncalves (Honda) +22:50
4. Quintanilla (KTM) +31:06
5. Viladoms (KTM) +36:23
6. Faria (KTM) +38:13
7. Walkner (KTM) +38:36
8. Price (KTM) +39:54
9. Svitko (KTM) +42:05
10. Rodrigues (Honda) +43:24

Truck
1. Nikolaev (Kamaz)
2. Mardeev (Kamaz) +8:01
3. Loprais (Man) +27:28
4. Karginov (Kamaz) +27:36
5. Sotnikov (Kamaz) +45:57
6. Viazovich (Maz) +51:28
7. Stacey (Iveco) +1:13:08
8. Van Vliet (Man) +1:21:32
9. Van den Brink (Renault) +1:50:19
10. Kolomy (Tatra) +1:58:09

Quad
1. Sonik (Yamaha)
2. Casale (Yamaha) +24:23
3. Lafuente (Yamaha) +26:20
4. Gonzales (Yamaha) +1:30:07
5. Copetti (Yamaha) +1:42:59
6. Vinet (Can-am) +2:10:08
7. Nosiglia (Honda) +2:11:08
8. Halpern (Yamaha) +2:24:20
9. Gonzales (Yamaha) +2:24:53
10. Koolen (Honda) +2:35:25

By the way Kolomý rolled with his Tatra when he tried to overtake some Renault truck. Tatra was able to continue but only with the help of Vrátný who helped them turn the truck back on the wheels.

[makinen_fan]

Nice set of photos here:
http://www.ewrc-results.com/foto.php?e=21993&t=Dakar-Rally-2015

http://www.ewrc.cz/images/2015/photos/dakar_rally_2015/plu_9.jpg

http://www.ewrc.cz/images/2015/photos/dakar_rally_2015/plu_16.jpg

[A FONDO]

Great debut by Yazeed. I wish he stays out of mechanical troubles, he deserves a top result. Sainz as usual began hard and got tired quickly. The age takes its toll. The 2008 is not so bad for a debut concept, we've seen big fiascos from bigger teams. Peterhansel is skilled and a dodger so he should keep it in the top 10 if major technical troubles don't strike. Shame for Terranova, there are too many gentlemen remaining in cars category now.

In the big guys, the Kamazes are merciless with the new suspension. Even their fast assistance is fifth. Strong performance from the belarussian Maz too, they continue improving every year. Loprais shows the Man is a strong truck when in good hands but he is a risky guy in long distances and is driving alone. De Rooy getting weaker and weaker, he needs one more skilled teammate in new truck and a faster assistance.

[Bartek]

https://scontent-b-cdg.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10801475_10152549688836960_7144449354787892347_n.j pg?oh=3155075511ada62ff09dbd0e9d758fbb&oe=55395BF6

[makinen_fan]

Another angle

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B65iuq7IEAAnIoY.jpg:large

[Mirek]

And now even Peterhansel is stopped with mechanical troubles... Peugeot story turns in another disaster. There wasn't a day without mechanical problems for at least one of the three cars.

[A FONDO]

some pure action in the dunes caught from a heli

http://vk.com/video-77656212_171272078?list=6122b091a2d1dccdf2 - trucks
http://vk.com/video-77656212_171272070 - minis

[Mirek]

After some not yet known problems for Loprais we have total Kamaz fest in the middle of the race...

After leg 6:

Cars
1. Al Attiyah (Mini)
2. De Villiers (Toyota) +11:12
3. Al Rahji (Toyota) +28:44
4. Holowczyc (Mini) +1:00:53
5. Ten Brinke (Toyota) +1:04:23
6. Van Loon (Mini) +1:06:43
7. La Vieille (Toyota) +1:27:22
8. Sousa (Mitsubishi) +1:42:45
9. Chabot (SMG) +1:49:27
10. Peterhansel (Peugeot) +1:49:41

Bikes
1. Barreda (Honda)
2. Coma (KTM) +12:27
3. Goncalves (Honda) +17:12
4. Quintanilla (KTM) +29:57
5. Price (KTM) +33:44
6. Rodrigues (Honda) +36:04
7. Faria (KTM) +40:27
8. Svitko (KTM) +41:27
9. Duclos (Sherco) +52:56
10. Israel (Honda) +1:00:48

Trucks
1. Nikolaev (Kamaz)
2. Mardeev (Kamaz) +13:38
3. Karginov (Kamaz) +38:16
4. Sotnikov (Kamaz) +58:41
5. Viazovich (Maz) +1:16:44
6. Loprais (Man) +1:33:12
7. Stacey (Iveco) +1:43:36
8. Van Vliet (Man) +2:11:37
9. Kolomý (Tatra) +2:25:21
10. Van Ginkel (Ginaf) +2:56:08

Quads (note that in this moment only 11 are in finish)
1. Sonik (Yamaha)
2. Casale (Yamaha) +16:08
3. Lafuente (Yamaha) +41:13
4. Gonzales (Yamaha) +1:49:27
5. Nosiglia (Honda) +2:58:21
6. Halpern (Yamaha) +3:03:20
7. Sanabria (Yamaha) +3:30:59
8. Palma (Can-am) +5:21:00
9. Declerc (Yamaha) +5:22:23
10. Saaijman (Yamaha) +6:52:53

[vino_93]

I like when Kamaz dominate the truck race :D

By the way, it has been a good start of Dakar. More or less everything each day.
Now it's time to add a bit more drama with the marathon stage in Bolivia.

[Mirek]

Bad luck for Loprais yesterday. His tyre got off the rim in dunes and he got stuck. Van Vliet helped him out.

[Mirek]

Karginov two days back. he lost only about 20 minutes by this...

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/s720x720/1508131_10152995948979253_4246340901422878073_n.jp g?oh=df9ecc2efe3a2d8f3169721281b096b6&oe=553BACBD&__gda__=1432961201_cdf14aa11394ce2877fc6ba70f7acce 2

[Mirek]

Beautiful photos from Petr Lusk: http://www.ewrc.cz/ewrc/fotogalery.php?events=21993&fotograf=2

http://www.ewrc.cz/images/2015/photos/dakar_rally_2015/plu_11.jpg
http://www.ewrc.cz/images/2015/photos/dakar_rally_2015/plu_5.jpg

[A FONDO]

This happened yesterday evening. Just two kilometers before the finish rolled at a sandy left corner but hopefully the truck bounced back on wheels :D so only cosmetic damage.
Two days back he lost about 20 minutes for changing two punctures at once (landed on rocks after crazy jump :D ). Hopefully his fast assistance Sotnikov was 5-10 minutes behind him and 3 more guys helped changing those huge tyres.

This evening there is no service park ( no mechanics, tools, tyres etc) so everybody should be careful.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Huge crash after jump, landing & roll ... :eek:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JeSnytcPyM&feature=youtu.be

[Mirek]

Leg 7 was driven only by cars and trucks. Nikolaev lost over one hour compared to Loprais and lost also the lead in trucks.

After leg 7

Cars
1. Al Attiyah (Mini)
2. De Villiers (Toyota) +8:14
3. Al Rahji (Toyota) +21:16
4. Holowczyc (Mini) +54:02
5. Ten Brinke (Toyota) +57:03
6. Van Loon (Mini) +1:15:11
7. Lavieille (Toyota) +1:37:50
8. Peterhansel (Peugeot) +1:50:36
9. Sousa (Mitsubishi) +1:58:32
10. Chabot (SMG) +2:10:45

Trucks
1. Mardeev (Kamaz)
2. Karginov (Kamaz) +22:13
3. Sotnikov (Kamaz) +44:06
4. Nikolaev (Kamaz) +44:43
5. Loprais (Man) +1:11:20
6. Viazovich (Maz) +1:46:08
7. Stacey (Iveco) +1:47:03
8. Van Vliet (Man) +2:29:06
9. Kolomý (Tatra) +2:39:30
10. Van Ginkel (Ginaf) +3:12:35

[makinen_fan]

Interesting comments by Nasser, he had to stop three times to vomit during the stage
http://www.dakar.com/dakar/2015/us/stage-7/quotes-all.html

[MartijnS]

Another big crash at the same spot!

https://t.co/DwuAfhB96A

[A FONDO]

http://cs620931.vk.me/v620931716/1a105/rpwL5ZZGg_s.jpg
http://cs620931.vk.me/v620931325/1b48b/L5pq3_Ybtkc.jpg
http://cs620931.vk.me/v620931281/1b373/qmWzpNcM6_M.jpg

[Mirek]

Those gigantic crashes shall be Silva and Campbel.

[makinen_fan]

Juan Silva crash

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B7D2oV8CYAEcmJq.jpg

[Jarek Z]

The coyotes of Dakar (9 photos):
http://www.sport.pl/Rajd/5,131936,17228406,Kojoty__kraksy_i_piekne_widoki__ wyjatkowe_zdjecia.html

[Mirek]

After day 8 not much changed except trucks. Viazovich is somewhere on the stage, I have no idea what is with him. Also Sotnikov lost a lot of time. Loprais goes up by that. Among bikes Coma took some time from Barreda (so did Goncalves) and they are now pretty close.

Cars
1. Al Attiyah (Mini)
2. De villiers (Toyota) +8:27
3. Al Rahji (Toyota) +18:40
4. Holowczyc (Mini) +54:38
5. Ten Brinke (Toyota) +1:22:52
6. Van Loon (Mini) +1:25:51
7. Lavieille (Toyota) +1:48:41
8. Peterhansel (Peugeot) +1:51:46
9. Sousa (Mitsubishi) +2:07:13
10. Chabot (SMG) +2:26:50

Bikes
1. Barreda (Honda)
2. Coma (KTM) +6:28
3. Goncalves (Honda) +10:59
4. Quintanilla (KTM) +25:16
5. Price (KTM) +29:20
6. Rodrigues (Honda) +33:56
7. Svitko (KTM) +40:23
8. Faria (KTM) +40:55
9. Duclos (Sherco) +50:31
10. Casteau (KTM) +1:16:52

Trucks
1. Mardeev (Kamaz)
2. Karginov (Kamaz) +5:09
3. Nikolaev (Kamaz) +12:41
4. Loprais (Man) +59:19
5. Sotnikov (Kamaz) +1:14:29
6. Stacey (Iveco) +2:05:24
7. Van Vliet (Man) +2:49:02
8. Kolomý (Tatra) +2:53:56
9. Vasilevski (Maz) +4:58:46
10. Vila Roca (Iveco) +5:38:23

Quads
1. Sonik (Yamaha)
2. Casale (Yamaha) +21:59
3. Lafuente (Yamaha) +1:08:00
4. Gonzales (Yamaha) +3:15:59
5. Sanabria (Yamaha) +3:25:13
6. Nosiglia (Honda) +3:48:45
7. Halpern (Yamaha) +4:23:20
8. Gallegos (Honda) +5:25:35
9. Declerck (Yamaha) +6:04:33
10. Palma (Can-am) +6:32:35

[MartijnS]

De Villiers slipstreaming behind Nasser!

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152470611176741

[Grant_RSA]

Really a pity the Chopper caused problems for De Villiers , 3 minutes lost due to and idiot pilot.

These guys put their lives on the line to win, only to have stupid incidents like this take time away from them, just thank goodness it wasn't terminal damage to the car.

[Mirek]

Is there some non-facebook link (I can't open facebook at work)? Or can somebody explain what happened?

[A FONDO]

@Mirek it is Giniel driving at same speed behind Vasilevski's Mini over dryed salt lake.

@RSA can you tell more about what exactly happened?

[trifonvl]

Really a pity the Chopper caused problems for De Villiers , 3 minutes lost due to and idiot pilot.

These guys put their lives on the line to win, only to have stupid incidents like this take time away from them, just thank goodness it wasn't terminal damage to the car.

What exactly happened?

[makinen_fan]

A video from De Villiers co-drive when they try to slip-stream a Mini at 180km/h but they cannot do it, I think it's Vasilyev, not Nasser.

The video has nothing to do with Grant_RSA post, it's from the quote from Giniel here:
http://www.dakar.com/dakar/2015/us/stage-8/quotes-all.html

[trifonvl]

Now i saw it.
http://www.dakar.com/dakar/2015/us/stage-8/quotes-all.html

[Mirek]

A video from De Villiers co-drive when they try to slip-stream a Mini at 180km/h but they cannot do it, I think it's Vasilyev, not Nasser.

The video has nothing to do with Grant_RSA post, it's from the quote from Giniel here:
http://www.dakar.com/dakar/2015/us/stage-8/quotes-all.html

Thanks but in the audio I can't find anything related to the helicopter. He said he had a puncture and that he was annoyed with himself hitting a rock due to that.

[Grant_RSA]

The link explains it, there was a protest but it was rejected.

[makinen_fan]

Thanks but in the audio I can't find anything related to the helicopter. He said he had a puncture and that he was annoyed with himself hitting a rock due to that.

Read his comments, they dont relate to the video for whatever reason. I was confused too

[Grant_RSA]

Television coverage failed to include the reason for the puncture, so it goes i suppose :-(

[Mirek]

Now I see. Sorry. Strange that in the written quotes there's something different than in the audio.

[A FONDO]

onboard Ford Ranger https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrikKnSPAIA

[Mirek]

I can't see bike leader Barreda on the live timing. Anyone knows what is wrong?

[MartijnS]

Yesterday he broke the left part of his steer and apparently he is being towed now by someone else. So no victory for him.

[makinen_fan]

I thought he fixed that, this was posted in the Dakar website:
After having ridden 120 km with a broken handlebar yesterday, Joan Barreda was not able to call on his assistance team to replace it, due to the rules of the marathon stage. The Spaniard therefore had to count on the solidarity of Argentinean Honda rider Demian Guiral who gave him his handlebars. In exchange Guiral received Barreda's patched up handlebar and tried to strengthen it, without the guarantee that the repairs will last out the day.

On another note:
Today's stage - Bike/Quad: the stage will stop after 378 km due to the poor weather conditions

[Mirek]

It looks like it's gonna be a roller coaster in the bike results tonight. Barreda and Rodriguez are in serious troubles which means Coma leads now and Svitko gets up to fifth. In this moment Laia Sanz gets to ninth overall. She is just incredible!

[makinen_fan]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B7KwobyCQAA6H33.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B7KwoOKCYAAhCcn.jpg

[CameraMan]

Although the Dakar rally has already come to the middle - we invite you to try a new project created by Lithuanians - Dakar 2015 Live Timing - http://dakar.rally-video.eu
Watch the results live, follow the comments from stages, support your favorites.
Share this project with your fans!

If you need more information or want to contribute with us - let me know!

[Mirek]

After today (technically finish of competitive day 8). Besides already commented stuff from bikes there is a change of leader in quads.

Bikes
1. Coma (KTM)
2. Goncalves (Honda) +9:11
3. Quintanilla (KTM) +11:11
4. Price (KTM) +15:56
5. Svitko (KTM) +26:30
6. Faria (KTM) +34:34
7. Duclos (Sherco) +58:08
8. Casteau (KTM) +1:10:48
9. Sanz (Honda) +1:18:51
10. Jakeš (KTM) +1:47:47

Quads (only 12 in finish in this moment)
1. Casale (Yamaha)
2. Sonik (Yamaha) +6:49
3. Lafuente (Yamaha) +49:11
4. Gonzales (Yamaha) +2:45:46
5. Sanabria (Yamaha) +3:30:25
6. Nosiglia (Honda) +3:35:30
7. Gallegos (Honda) +5:54:56
8. Declerck (Yamaha) +6:04:17
9. Domaszewski (Honda) +7:48:40
10. Palma (Can-am) +8:10:08

[Mirek]

The Honda bikes didn't cope well with the salty mud of yesterday's stage. Here is what Jeremias Israel said about towing Joan Barreda:


It was a shitty stage… Our bikes aren't made for that. Joan's was affected first, then mine. Afterwards, we had to push them to re-start and I had to tow Joan with a strap for perhaps 300 or 400 km, I don't know. We only took it off for the final descent.

[makinen_fan]

Video from the double crash:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNpAqwZoFIg

Mirek: did they say if Barreda's main problem was with the handlebar or just problem with the Honda bike in the salt lake?

[Mirek]

Looks like the problem was salt.

[J4MIE]

What a stupid idea to have the route across a salt lake.

[makinen_fan]

Now Nasser is clear in the lead with 24m. Giniels and Yazeed had a bad day, lost more than 20min each.
In the bikes, Concalves halved Coma's lead to just 5m28s
In quads, Sonik retakes the lead

[Mirek]

Another important things were big time loses for Ten Brinke, Chabot and again Peterhansel. In this moment I don't know what happened to him but may be again technical gremlins of the Peugeot. But mainly it was really bad leg for Toyota. Interesting is third place today for Chicherit in a buggy.

After leg 9

Cars
1. Al Attiyah (Mini)
2. De Villiers (Toyota) +23:58
3. Al Rahji (Toyota) +39:29
4. Holowczyc (Mini) +1:17:41
5. Van Loon (Mini) +2:41:46
6. Lavieille (Toyota) +2:51:39
7. Vasilyev (Mini) +3:02:41
8. Sousa (Mitsubishi) +3:33:35
9. Ten Brinke (Toyota) +3:34:07
10. Rakhimbayev (Mini) +3:41:24

Bikes
1. Coma (KTM)
2. Goncalves (Honda) +5:28
3. Quintanilla (KTM) +26:52
4. Price (KTM) +31:31
5. Svitko (KTM) +40:36
6. Casteau (KTM) +1:31:26
7. Faria (KTM) +1:41:22
8. Sanz (Honda) +1:54:37
9. Jakeš (KTM) +2:18:31
10. Pain (Yamaha) +2:36:13

Trucks
1. Mardeev (Kamaz)
2. Nikolaev (Kamaz) +14:10
3. Karginov (Kamaz) +20:42
4. Loprais (Man) +1:18:17
5. Sotnikov (Kamaz) +1:51:49
6. Stacey (Iveco) +2:30:46
7. Kolomý (Tatra) +3:22:38
8. Van Vliet (Man) +4:02:02
9. Vasilevski (Maz) +6:24:18
10. De Rooy (Iveco) +7:05:34

Quads
1. Sonik (Yamaha)
2. Casale (Yamaha) +4:00
3. Lafuente (Yamaha) +52:16
4. Gonzales (Yamaha) +2:53:43
5. Sosiglia (Honda) +3:45:39
6. Sanabria (Yamaha) +4:24:18
7. Gallegos (Honda) +5:32:32
8. Declerck (Yamaha) +6:14:07
9. Domaszewski (Honda) +8:23:46
10. Palma (Can-am) +9:45:46

[Grant_RSA]

WP9 caused all the issues, Nasser and Roma got lucky and just happened to find it, the rest were driving in circles to find it,

Nasser has to be one of the luckiest guys alive.

[makinen_fan]

Quotes about yesterday's time loss from Giniel:
“It was not our day,” said a disappointed De Villiers. “We made a terrible, terrible navigation mistake. Obviously that’s cost us the race, so we’re sure now that we can only try to consolidate something on the podium. There was one place where we were really struggling to find the waypoint. It was an off-road area, the wind was from behind and there was so much fesh-fesh and dust. We just kept turning around. It felt like forever. It’s not impossible for Nasser to make a mistake, but with this lead he can take it easy.”

Yazeed had no brakes for half the stage:
“I’m lucky, because after 200km we lost the brakes, all of them, and continued without brakes for 250km,” said the Saudi. “There was a lot of action and a big ditch we hit. It’s not so bad to lose 27 minutes to Roma. The stage was very rough. Now we can save third position. It’s part of my learning on the Dakar.”

Ten Brinke had technical issues

[MartijnS]

Ten Brinke had a broken driveshaft after 5 km. New one put on the car on the restday..

[makinen_fan]

Roma is reported to have crashed heavily (both crew ok)
Casale retired due to mechanical. Now Sonik has a lead of almost 1hr!

[Mirek]

Last week it was up to +40°C in the shadow and today in the morning it was -6°C in the mountains...
After leg 10:

Cars
1. Al Attiyah (Mini)
2. De Villiers (Toyota) +28:22
3. Al Rahji (Toyota) +43:08
4. Holowczyc (Mini) +1:23:42
5. Van Loon (Mini) +2:51:13
6. Lavieille (Toyota) +3:01:41
7. Vasilyev (Mini) +3:12:10
8. Ten Brinke (Toyota) +3:39:28
9. Sousa (Mitsubishi) +3:41:53
10. Rakhimbayev (Mini) +3:59:17

Bikes
1. Coma (KTM)
2. Goncalves (Honda) +7:35
3. Quintanilla (KTM) +31:42
4. Price (KTM) +32:06
5. Svitko (KTM) +45:19
6. Casteau (KTM) +1:41:14
7. Faria (KTM) +1:41:40
8. Sanz (Honda) +2:05:00
9. Jakeš (KTM) +2:25:51
10. Pain (Yamaha) +2:50:11

Trucks
1. Mardeev (Kamaz)
2. Nikolaev (Kamaz) +13:21
3. Karginov (Kamaz) +42:46
4. Loprais (Man) +1:22:10
5. Sotnikov (Kamaz) +2:19:04
6. Stacey (Iveco) +2:37:13
7. Kolomý (Tatra) +4:05:08
8. Van Vliet (Man) +4:21:39
9. Vasilevski (Maz) +6:42:10
10. De Rooy (Iveco) +7:10:04

Quads
1. Sonik (Yamaha)
2. Gonzales (Yamaha) +2:51:39
3. Nosiglia (Honda) +3:44:25
4. Sanabria (Yamaha) +4:18:34
5. Gallegos (Honda) +5:35:27
6. Declerck (Yamaha) +6:16:07
7. Domaszewski (Honda) +8:29:37
8. Palma (Can-am) +10:02:07
9. Hansen (Honda) +12:26:46
10. Saaijman (Yamaha) +13:38:54