2006 Dakar Rally

Tags: motorsport 2006 Dakar Rally

NADOR - ER RACHIDIA
Liaison : 237km - SS : 314km - Liaison : 121km
Total : 672km

Frenchman Jean-Louis Schlesser used his experience of the Dakar rally to the full to win the first stage on African soil of this year's race on Monday.

Schlesser, a Dakar winner in 1999 and 2000, clocked the fastest time in the third stage from Nador to Er Rachidia in Morocco in his self-built, Ford-powered buggy.

The Mitsubishi Pajero / Montero Evolution crew of Joan ’Nani’ Roma and Henri Magne lead the Dakar Rally after the third leg of the event from Nador to Er Rachidia in Morocco. The pair was sixth fastest in today’s competitive section to power into the lead as the convoy of bikes, cars and trucks faced the first African challenge. Team-mates Hiroshi Masuoka and Pascal Maimon set second quickest time, ending the day just six seconds off the lead, while Stéphane Peterhansel and Luc Alphand hold sixth and ninth respectively to end a great day for the Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart Team.

The day’s 314 kilometer stage was a new one for the Dakar, alternating twisty tracks with open terrain and rocky river beds. Today was also the first major challenge for the co-drivers; new regulations mean that navigation is much trickier and the road book must be followed diligently. Overnight front-runners Carlos Sainz and Luc Alphand suffered from opening the route and slipped to fourth and ninth respectively.

Joan ’Nani’ Roma and Henri Magne started the day in third position and were on the pace from the outset. The Mitsubishi Pajero / Montero Evolution crew were second fastest through the stage, behind Jean-Louis Schlesser, to take the outright lead.

Twice World Rally champion Carlos Sainz, winner of the first two stages through Portugal and Spain, finished nearly seven minutes behind in 12th.

Standings after stage 3, Nador (MA) – Er Rachidia (MA); 314/672 km special stage/total

Pos., Team, Vehicle, Stage 3, Total time
1. Nani Roma/Henri Magne (E/F), Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution, 2:52:32 hrs. (6.); 5:27.34 hrs.
2. Hiroshi Masuoka/Pascal Maimon (J/F), Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution; 2:51:17 hrs. (2.) + 6 sec.
3. Bruno Saby/Michel Périn (F/F), Volkswagen Race Touareg 2; 2:53:18 hrs. (8.) + 54 sec.
4. Carlos Sainz/Andreas Schulz (E/D), Volkswagen Race Touareg 2; 2:57:42 hrs. (12.) + 56 sec.
5. Jutta Kleinschmidt/Fabrizia Pons (D/I), Volkswagen Race Touareg 2; 2:51:54 hrs. (4.) + 57 sec.
6. Stéphane Peterhansel/Jean-P. Cottret (F/F), Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution; 2:51:35 hrs. (3.) + 1.36 min.
7. Mark Miller/Dirk von Zitzewitz (USA/D), Volkswagen Race Touareg 2; 2:53:12 hrs. (7.) + 3.18 min.
8. Robby Gordon/Darren Skilton (USA/USA), Hummer H3; 2:52:28 hrs. (5.) + 4.11 min.
9. Luc Alphand/Gilles Picard (F/F), Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution; 2:57:26 hrs. (11.) + 4.25 min.
10. Jean-L. Schlesser/Franēois Borsotto (F/F), Schlesser-Ford; 2:50:58 hrs. (1.) + 4.26 min.
12. Giniel de Villiers/Tina Thörner (RSA/S), Volkswagen Race Touareg 2; 2:53:26 hrs. (9.) + 4.33 min.

Three questions to Volkswagen Logistic Manager Paco Crous

1. You organise the Volkswagen rally armada which includes 78 people and 27 vehicles. Were you concerned at any point?
"The most critical point of this Dakar Rally so far, was to catch the ferry in Malaga on 1 January at 23.30 hours in the evening. The rally is definitely over for any competition vehicle that misses the ferry. That's why the team was under pressure on the second day, however, everything went well for us. Every vehicle was punctually at the port.”

What is the logistical challenge of Dakar Rally?
"Before the start we have to solve an enormous puzzle over a long period of time, the complete preparation. On the other hand, during the two European stages you have to finish several tasks in a very short space of time. After the ferry crossing to Africa my function gets easier – the bulk of the work is already sorted out.”

How can a bystander imagine the logistical preparations?
"During the Dakar Rally it is almost impossible to buy anything. That's why it's so important not to forget anything and to have a plentiful supply of parts, equipment and consumables in stock under way. It's particularly difficult to judge just how many consumable items you need on the road. My favourite example is the noodle soup: If every team member eats one soup per day, we have to bring 1,300 soups to Africa. However, if everybody goes up for a second helping then you need double the quantity. It's just as difficult to order water and diesel in advance – you need an enormous amount of experience, you frequently have to go by your feelings. Or improvise later.”