For Stage 4, the drivers were meant to get from Al Salamiya to Al-Hofuf. The terrain is easier and faster to travel on, but navigation issues are characteristic of today’s challenge and could make the difference between winning and losing.
Trucks
No new faces at the lead yet again for the trucks category, as Janus Van Kasteren claimed his fourth stage victory of this year’s Dakar Rally.
The Dutch driver set the fastest time of the day but it wasn’t easy, as both runner-ups Martin Macik and Ales Loprais challenged him throughout the 299 kilometers of the special.
Despite Van Kasteren’s victories, it is Loprais who holds the lead in the general standings as he finished just over 8 minutes behind the Netherlands national.
SSVs
Joao Ferreira took the win of today’s stage, 2 minutes and 48 seconds ahead of second-placed Yasir Seaidan.
The Brazilian stormed through the Saudi Arabian stage, which today was comprised mostly of dirt tracks and not so much of dunes, to claim victory. Xavier De Soultrait, France’s starting favorite in the category, finished in third place.
The Sebastien Loeb Racing driver had suffered mechanical issues yesterday and while he missed out on the opportunity of a podium, he at least was able to continue his gruelling Dakar adventure.
Sara Price today dropped down to 10th place – the rookie, who was penalized yesterday, struggled to find greater pace and finished almost 26 minutes behind the leader.