Dakar 2023, stage 3: Carlos Sainz and Al-Attiyah face tough setbacks for new leaders

day to forget Carlos Sainz and Lucas CruzStarting Stage 3 this Tuesday, the Spanish Audi crew started the 470 km special. From AlUla to Hail, gave up many positions regarding Qatar in the long-awaited ultimatum controversy. The Spanish rider had everything he faced first to launch an attack and gain an advantage. He did everything perfectly and won his second place with 184 kilos. However, his two subsequent problems knocked him out of his mind and he lost 56 minutes compared to the stage winner. Guerlain Sichelliand more importantly, 35 minutes with his great rival, Nasser al-Attiyah33’11” behind the current champion. Dakar in general.

First problem with rear suspension

Halfway through the special, the day started to change at 213 kilometers. Carlos and Lucas had to stop the car and get out due to a problem with one of his left rear suspension components. They were able to save an initial moment of panic, losing 33 minutes and starting a recovery after such a scare.

Double flat when I could save the day

Al Atiyah He had given up 11 minutes at that point, Nasser kept losing while Carlos cut the deficit. Al Atiyah Twenty minutes behind his best at 335 km, he continued to lose steam at the start of the course, but by then Carlos was already suffering from more problems causing him to sink again. Carlos stalled with his two punctures, losing more time than he should have each time. One of them had a jack that didn’t work and the other had a faulty nut. Once he was able to resume his march, he ended up losing his 56 minutes at the finish line. ChicherittoStage winner, Nasser on 35 ‘and now Dakar is very difficult for him.

however, Dakar Where things happen every day, the 30 minute downside may not be final. Nothing is taken for granted on a tougher course that surprises.

Nasser leads the overall standings after Stage 3 with a 13’20” advantage over his local Saudi idol. Alraj and Peterhansel and his audiAfter losing more than 30 minutes in Stage 2 due to two punctures, they re-entered the battle and moved up to 3rd place in 20 minutes and 45 seconds. CarlosThe eighth-ranked will have to take more risks than their opponents to make up for lost time in the remaining 11 stages. We must not forget that we still have to step into uncharted territory in the second half of the race. “Empty Quarter” (empty room), a sea of ​​dunes for several kilometers where a lot can still happen.In this field, Audi’s Sainz need to be higher, “Bullfighter” He hasn’t said his last words yet.

Czech Republic, 23rd

Carlos Checa (Astara Team) finished 23rd with a time of 28:42 and 24th overall with a time of 1:24:34. Isidore Esteve (Repsol Rally Team) finished 31st in 40:27. Laia Sanz, who started quite late due to the Odyssey she experienced in Stage 2, was able to finish a good special where she lost seven hours. His 30th position for the day (33’44”).