RALLY DAKAR 2023

Drama for Audi: double accident of Sainz and Peterhansel, who lose the Dakar

Audi's hopes in the Dakar 2023 have been buried today in the most unfortunate day for the German brand in its new stage in the Saudi rally. His two drivers with options for victory in the Dakar 2023, Carlos Sainz-In image above (who was fourth overall) and Stephane Peterhansel (second), say goodbye to their chances of victory on the same day... and in practically the same place .

The two RS Q e-tron E2s suffered an accident at the same point, kilometer 212 of today's special (according to what MARCA has learned, in a hole in which both cars would have fallen), when they were running together (with Peterhansel for ahead of the Spaniard at the time of the accident).

Peterhansel's co-driver, evacuated by helicopter... Although the damage to the Frenchman's car is minor, the consequences of the coup have been more serious for the interests of Monsieur Dakar. Stephane Peterhansel is out of the race as his co-driver, Edouard Boulanger, was evacuated by helicopter, suffering from back pain caused by the impact in the hole.

As for Sainz, both he and Lucas Cruz are physically fit and trying to repair the damage to their Audi, but they are still in the race. They have been detained since approximately 10:15 a.m., so their options for the final triumph completely disappear.

From the impact, Sainz's Audi has battery problems, which is what is costing them the most to solve, as well as damage to the suspension and steering box. As reported by Audi, the Matador's car is badly damaged.

Key day for Al-Attiyah...The incidents are taking place today with all the rivals of Nasser Al-Attiyah, leader of the Dakar 2023. Because in addition to the two Audis, the Saudi Yazeed Al-Rajhi, who was running third overall , also suffered mechanical problems at the end of the day (km 216) and is giving up a lot of time.

Provisional classification of stage 6 of the Dakar 2023 in cars

1. Nasser Al-Attiyah/Mathieu Baumel (Toyota) 3h 13:12

2. Sebastien Loeb/Fabian Lurquin (BRX) at 3:29

3. Henk Lategan/Bret Cummings (Toyota) at 8:52

4. Guerlain Chicherit/Alex Winocq (BRX) at 9:12

5. Vaidotas Zala/Pablo Fiuza (BRX) at 10:33

....

9. Kuba Przygonsky/Armand Monleón (Mini) at 12:45

by Enrique Naranjo