A 440-kilometer-long special stage put the competitors of the Dakar to the ultimate test, with an “eclectic mix of stony sections, vast expanses of sand and chains of dunes,” as they themselves put it.
The terrain along the special contains fast and slow sections together with jagged terrains that only increase the dificulty experienced by those who undertake the challenge in the Saudi Arabian desert.
But the obstacles faced in the driving may be the least of concerns today though, as mechanics only get two hours to work at the finish of the special before their machineries enter the marathon bivouac.
Trucks
The stage was not for Janus Van Kasteren to take today. The Dutch driver who won the last three stages (that is, if we count the prologue) finished in second place behind runner up Ales Loprais, who had a fantastic performance that allowed him to claim his first Dakar 2024 victory.
Not only that, but Loprais also claimed the lead of the general rankings by a gap of 3 minutes and 15 seconds to Van Kasteren.
Martin Macik challenged the frontrunners but to no avail. Even though he pushed halfway through the stage and seemed to have an advantage, the Czech driver only achieved third place.
SSVs
New faces yet again but now in the SSVs category, as Yasir Seaidan took victory of stage three. The Saudi national stormed through the desert to finish more than 4 minutes ahead of Joao Ferreira, who finished in second place.
The Brazilian snatched the second fastest time of the stage from Gerard Farres Guell, yesterday’s winner, with 5 minutes and 24 seconds in between them.
Rookie Sara Price improved today and clinched fourth place ahead of Brazil’s Cristiano Batista – both drivers from the South Racing Can-Am team. They also received penalties: 10s and 20s respectively.
Starting favorite Xavier de Soultrait achieved the 10th fastest time of the day. The French dropped down the rankings halfway through the stage, losing more than 45 minutes at the finish line.
Where did Carlos Sainz Sr. end up in the end of the Stage?
He ended in P6, 3 minutes and 29 seconds gap to the leader