The name of the day is Carlos Sainz, a veteran who has seized every opportunity to solidify his leadership in the rally. The stage, spanning 458 kilometers of arid and challenging landscapes, included 279 kilometers of pure adrenaline against the clock. In this final week, every second counts, and any mistake can be fatal to the competitors' aspirations.
Carlos Sainz Sr., despite finishing in a discreet fourth place in this stage, has allowed him to widen his lead over the Frenchman Sebastien Loeb, a worthy rival who has fought well but has seen his effort fade in the last kilometers.
Audi's performance in this stage is commendable. Mattias Ekstrom, Sainz's teammate, has conquered the stage victory, marking his fifth triumph in the Dakar and reaffirming Audi's dominance in this edition. The German brand, known for its innovation and technology, has shown that its commitment to rally raid is bearing fruit, delivering exceptional performance on one of the planet's most demanding terrains. Stephane Peterhansel, another member of the Audi team, has completed the 1-2 for the brand, showcasing strength and consistency that highlights the excellent preparation and strategy of the team.
Sebastien Loeb has had a bittersweet day. After leading much of the stage, misfortune in the last kilometers has cost him time, relegating him to the tenth place in the stage and diminishing his chances of catching Sainz in the overall standings. However, his fighting spirit and innate ability remain intact, promising more excitement in the upcoming stages. On the other hand, defending champion Nasser Al-Attiyah suffered a severe blow to his aspirations after a breakdown in his engine, leaving him out of the competition this year.
With four stages remaining and the finish on the horizon, the competition intensifies. Drivers and teams must maintain their focus and determination while navigating the delicate balance between aggression and conservation. The story of Dakar 2024 is yet to be written, and each kilometer covered brings these brave competitors closer to glory or disappointment.
| Pos. | Driver | Team | Time | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | (swe) MATTIAS EKSTRÖM (swe) EMIL BERGKVIST |
TEAM AUDI SPORT | 03h 17' 15'' | + 00h 01' 00'' |
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Swedish driver joins Ford after leaving Audi
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