Giniel de Villiers and Dirk von Zitzewitz consolidated their overall second place standing after finishing the difficult 353km special stage 10 between Cordoba and Rioja in Argentina in fourth place in their Imperial Toyota Hilux on Tuesday.
??Leaders widen gap?? between Giniel de Villiers and von Zitzewitz
Defending champions Stephane Peterhansel and Jean Paul Cottret of France (Mini) extended their lead over De Villiers and Von Zitzewitz to 52 minutes 38 seconds after finishing third on the special stage. Giniel De Villiers and Dirk von Zitzewitz however cemented their position by extending their lead over Russians Leonid Novitskiy and Konstantin Zhiltsov who are placed third, to just over 16 minutes.
The South African/German duo started the morning in fourth and got caught in the dust of Americans Robbie Gordon and Kellon Walch (Hummer) but De Villiers was content to defend his second place position and not risk it all trying to pass the Americans.
Giniel de Villiers had the following to say, After our exciting Monday we enjoyed a comparatively quiet day today. It was a good feeling, particularly as tomorrow sees us head into the dunes around Fiambalá. Although we were slightly hampered by Robby Gordons dust today, we are pleased we managed to extend the gap to third place. It gives us a useful cushion between us and the next car.
??Dirk von Zitzewitz commented, We are extremely satisfied with today. Navigation was comparatively simple, so we were able to drive consistently through the stage. We know the 11th stage to Fiambalá well, so we are very optimistic, and aim to post another good performance on Wednesday. We also have a good starting position (fourth), which makes it a lot easier.”
Dakar Rally Stage 11
Wednesdays special stage from La Rioja to Fiambala is relatively short covering a distance of 217km, sandwiched between a 256km opening liaison section and a 6km link to the overnight bivouac. This stage is the most feared stage on the Dakar and has been a significant day in each of the editions since the rally moved from Africa to South America in 2009. The stage includes forestry sections and some very fast stretches before reaching the big white dunes of Fiambala and later a labyrinth of canyons and dry river beds leading towards the end of the stage. Maximum concentration will be required by both driver and co-driver with tempretures expected to reach 40 degrees Centigrade.
The cars start Wednesdays stage at 4:53PM (SA Time).
To read the previous days coverage click the link below:
