After yesterday’s misfortune, the world looked very different for Jakub “Kuba” Przygonski (POL) and Timo Gottschalk (GER) after the tenth leg, from Wadi ad Dawasir to Bisha. The MINI JCW Buggy crew finished sixth on the stage and climbed into fifth place in the overall standings. Sebastian Halpern and Bernardo “Ronnie” Graue (both ARG) can also be pleased with their day’s work: they came home eleventh today in their MINI JCW Buggy and now lie eighth overall. Laia Sanz (ESP) and Maurizio Gerini (ITA) were 40th in a MINI ALL4 Racing. The MINI JCW Buggy crew of Denis Krotov and Konstantin Zhiltsov finished 59th.
Przygonski and Gottschalk used today’s fast stage to establish a good position ahead of the final two remaining special stages. Sixth place today put them fifth overall and in a fine position going into day eleven.
Kuba Przygonski: “The stage was very fast today. The terrain changed and was rockier, with some vegetation. We had fun, as we gradually worked our way towards the front, one car at a time. There was a lot going on. We definitely lost a little time in the dust, but it was ultimately a good stage for us. We are pleased to have a good starting position for tomorrow.”
It was also a successful day for Halpern and Graue. The two Argentineans came through the stage without any issues and finished a fine eleventh. They also climbed one place in the overall standings and now lie eighth.
Sebastian Halpern: “The stage was fast, and navigation was tricky. Some sections were challenging from a driver’s perspective, which I really enjoyed. We are pleased to find ourselves in eighth place now.”
Luck was not on the side of Sanz today. After a puncture on the rocky ground, she then lost time looking for the right way. As such, she had to settle for 40th place. The Spaniard remains 23rd overall.
Laia Sanz: “We hit a rock and damaged both the tyre and the rim. This then caused some issues with the brakes. Unfortunately, we then lost time trying to find the way towards the end of the stage. Nevertheless, we are still happy with the day.”
Tomorrow is the penultimate leg of the 2022 Dakar. The crews will tackle a loop around the bivouac in Bisha. The competitors will spend roughly half of the 346-kilometre stage in the dunes.