The eighth stage of the Dakar 2022 has left us with a great performance from the Audi drivers in the car category. Mattias Ekström took the victory of the special followed by his teammate Stéphane Peterhansel. Carlos Sainz was in fourth place behind the Frenchman Sébastien Loeb, the Frenchman threatened with a sanction. Sam Sunderland achieved the stage victory in motorcycles and regained the leadership of the classification. Adrien Van Beveren lost that privileged position after scoring the ninth best of the day, although he continues in the ‘top 3’ of the general classification.
Sam sunderland He has regained the lead today, but is aware that tomorrow he will have a difficult day as he is in charge of opening the track: «Today there was a lot of sand and navigation has been difficult between the canyons, where it was easy to get lost and many times you needed to travel 300-400 meters before you realized that you were wrong. Those in charge of opening the track today have done great. I’ve done everything I can to make up time. I have fallen several times in the dunes this morning and after the refreshment I have slowed down a bit. The race is very close, which is difficult for us as it is quite an emotional roller coaster. Tomorrow, after the glory of victory, it’s time to open the track. But whoever wants to win the race must also sometimes win specials».
Matthias walkner He has set the third best time of the day 4 minutes and 11 seconds behind the clock set by Sunderland. This result has allowed him to place himself in second place in the general classification. The Austrian driver faces the last days of competition knowing that it is essential not to make mistakes if he wants to qualify for the final victory: “Every day is important because you can win or lose a lot of time. By leaving behind, I was able to cut time to those in front. I did my best at the end and it paid off at the finish. There are still four long days ahead. The fight that started this week is very close and also very moved, so the fundamental thing is not to make big mistakes».
Adrien van beveren he had to settle for ninth place today, which made him lose the leadership of the category. However, he maintains his options intact by occupying third place in the general ranking, just 4 minutes and 43 seconds behind the head: «The ‘roadbook’ button has broken in the first dunes so I had to handle it by hand, which has not been easy. Bouncing around holding the handlebars with one hand has been a challenge, but that was my only problem. And it is part of the Dakar game. I’ve done my best, so I have nothing to regret. I am happy with my day and I continue with the same chip, committing as few mistakes as possible until the end».
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Mattias Ekström today he achieved his first stage victory in the Dakar, the second for Audi in this edition: «We got off to a good start to the special and then we walked very carefully in the dunes, where I have not been able to print a good rhythm. After the first link, I became more confident and managed to catch up with Yazeed. He allowed me to overtake him and then I rode at a very good pace and I enjoyed it like never before. Emil has done a superb navigation, without making the slightest mistake. For me, it has been a very good day. Winning is very good, but I am learning daily, I am still a ‘rookie’ and that is why I take precautions. We are beginning to know where we are moving and to find the most suitable settings, but we have to continue developing the car.
Stéphane Peterhansel has taken second place after a navigation problem and having to stop for a couple of minutes after hitting a dune: «We have turned in the last five kilometers and we knew that Mattias Ekström was not far. Before, we hit a dune and lost the hood, so we had to stop to disconnect the cables for two minutes. It was not a perfect special because we made a navigation error, but the important thing is that we have a good pace. ANDIt’s good to have calmer days, without so much technical problem. Puncturing and getting lost is normal, but the first week was difficult for us. I hope this second one is better. Theoretically we have solved the problem of the suspensions, but we are not 100% clear about it, although it looks better».
Sebastien loeb He had a good performance despite suffering a puncture at the beginning of the stage. In addition, the French rider was under pressure as he was aware of the loss of a spare wheel during the tour: «We attacked thoroughly throughout the special, but at kilometer 28 we punctured and lost two minutes. Upon reaching the link, we realized that we had lost the second spare wheel, with which we had 250 kilometers left with no option to make any mistake. I knew we were doing a good time so I walked very carefully on the stones so as not to puncture. In any case, it was a good special. Nasser has lost some time because he did not ride very fast».
Nasser Al-Attiyah he has not had his best day at the rally. The Qatari was wasting time with Sébastien Loeb after suffering a puncture and a breakdown that led him to finish the stage with only two driving wheels. The leadership does not seem threatened despite these incidents, but there are four days of competition left and any problem could ruin the work done so far: «For 350 kilometers we have been only with two-wheel drive, front, and the truth is that I have been very scared. I tried to attack during the last 50 kilometers, when there were no more dunes, and I was very reassured to know that we only lost seven minutes. I am happy to have finished the stage. But beware, the Dakar is not over yet, we must not lose respect for it».