The fourth stage of the Fenix Rally was once again a loop starting and finishing at the Douz bivouac. Covering no less than 600 km, including 400 competitive kilometers, it was a solid, well-built stage without dunes, drawn over a fast and occasionally technical course.
After Sunday’s issues, Koen Wauters and Tom De Leeuw (Toyota Hilux) finished third overall and third among the cars. In the standings, they move up to eighth overall and fourth car.
“Ah, this was a good day — we really had fun,” begins Koen Wauters. “The pace was strong right from the start. Because we started quite far back, we first had to overtake a long line of SSVs, and we were a bit hindered by the low-hanging dust. But once we got past them, it was pure fun. Every now and then there was a technical section that added some variety, which was nice. Tom was in great form too — navigation was tricky at times, but he did it flawlessly. A fast stage without dunes — I think our neck muscles are grateful.”
On Tuesday, the fifth stage will be held — half the distance of today’s.
“And the predicted driving time is about the same as today’s. So you know that, unlike today, there will be dunes. But those are worries for tomorrow. For now, we’ll just chat a bit at the bivouac tonight and raise a glass to a good day,” concludes Koen Wauters.
Source: Official press release
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