Rally of Morocco OiLybia stage 3

[simage=151,160,n]

This third stage, with no real technical difficulty, is unprecedented. It will offer the best scenery of the rally. However, it will not be a walkover: 280 km of tracks to devour in one gulp, without possibility of external assistance. The start is given off-track from the palm of Zagora to join a rugged mountain trail. After the first pass, the track widens to become fast… but sometimes becomes dusty and undulated. The objective of the day is the magnificent passage of Maharch. Big tasks ahead in term of navigation for competitors that will ensure change of directions and monitoring of capes through dunes and sandy oueds. After the passage, the pleasure is guaranteed for competitors and TV viewers. Pleasure for drivers too, with the crossing of high sandy passes (sand is sometimes very soft) and a long descent before to smash through the big dry lakes: a route at high speed with many parallel which will be benefit because it will be harder to overtake in the last 30 kilometers… around volcanic craters and on the narrow track near Fort Zguilma.

Interview

Guerlain Chicherit (Fra / BMW X3 No. 302): “Nice and fast leg today. We overtook Stéphane midway, and then we rode together to the finish. The stage win is a pleasure, even if now we are concentrating with Michel on teamwork in the cockpit so as to refine our reflexes … “

Leonid Novitsky (Rus / BMW X3 No. 301): “A very fast special. We experienced three scary bits, but on arrival, the result is excellent. “

Stephane Peterhansel (Fra / BMW X3 No. 300): “A very nice special. With the rain last night, it was possible to follow Guerlain in the second half of the stage without eating his dust. We are now going to hold back slightly and proceed to other tests, as this car will be in the next Dakar and we don’t want to damage it … “

Holowzcyc Krzysztof (Pol / BMW X3 No. 304): “I found this leg a bit long at times. This made me think those runs in Mauritania. But it was another good test for us, even if we went flying a few times … “

Jean-Marie Davoy (Fra / MD Rallye Sport Buggy No. 308): “A puncture after km 30 from then on we drove on eggshells because we had no spare wheels. “

Patrick Sireyjol (Fra / Bowler Wildcat Cummins No. 313): “we almost gave up yesterday with a broken rear axle, today was another day, a few thrill along the way, but happy with the result “

Pélichet Jerome (Fra / Springbok MD Rallye Sport No. 311): “We’re in 4th place with both Bowlers behind us. We’re keeping an eye on them. It was a good race. “

Pascal Thomas (Fra / Buggy Optimus MD No. 303): “No easy ride in the rain and mud without the windshield. Over long stretches our buggy Optimus lacks power … “

Lepekhov Mikhail (Rus / Mitsubishi MPR10 No. 325): “We were behind this quad. I wanted to overtake, I had a clear 500 meters and the then car went into a front roll. It’s my entire fault. I was too nervous … “

Trucks

Elisabete Jacinto (Por / MAN No. 400): “It was another perfect leg for us. Not the slightest concern I am even a little less apprehensive to return to the dunes tomorrow because it went well during yesterday’s stage … “

Miklos Kovacs (Hon / Scania No. 401): “Everything was going really well early on in the stage when, suddenly, our transfer case broke. Without traction to the front wheels of the truck, we were slow three-quarters of the special. Too bad, but I think we’ve had it, it’s all over for us since we do not have the parts to repair … “