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Dakar 2024: Laia Sanz maintains the Top 15 despite suffering problems in the eighth stage
- The KH-7 rider lost around 15 minutes in the first part of the special due to a technical setback that was resolved in the second section.
- “Today was a day to gain a couple more positions and get a good stage result, but as soon as we started we had a power problem.”
- “In the second half, the engine ran well again and we were able to race. We think it must have been some sensor. We hope to be able to do a clean stage tomorrow.”
Day of contrasting sensations for Laia Sanz. The KH-7 driver finished the eighth stage of the Dakar Rally, placing herself in the absolute Top 15 overall for the second consecutive day. The Astara Team has had its performance affected as a result of an electronic failure that has caused it to lose power in the first half of the special, which today consisted of 458 kilometers divided into three parts: a first of 165 timed kilometers, followed by a neutralized road section of 179 and a final section of 114 kilometers again timed. Fortunately, in that final part the problem has disappeared and she has been able to recover positions.
“Today was a day to gain a couple more positions and get a good stage result, because we started in a good position and the type of terrain suited us well, but as soon as we started we had a power problem. That made it very difficult for us to pass the dunes in the first part of the route and we lost a lot of time there, around 15 minutes,” laments the Astara Team driver.
After trying to solve the fault before the second section of the special, Laia Sanz and Maurizio Gerini tried to find out the origin of the fault without success, but miraculously the engine of the Astara 02 Concept has returned to working normally: “We do not understand the reason. , but, in the second half, the engine ran well again and we were able to race. We think it must have been some sensor. We hope to be able to do a clean stage tomorrow,” she concludes.
At the end of the day, Sanz and Gerini were in 36th place overall in the stage and third in T1.2 (4x2). In the absolute general standings they remain 15th and in their category they drop one place to place third.
Once in the camp, the participants learned the news of the death of Carles Falcón, a motorcycle rider who had an accident in the second stage from which he was unable to recover. “I am very sorry for the death of Carles. We motorcycle riders know that when we go out on the track there is this risk, but we never think that it can happen to us. It is very sad news. I am very sorry for his family and friends,” commented Laia Sanz.
Despite the bad news, the rally will continue this Tuesday and will reach its ninth stage, between Ha'il and Al-Ula, with a 436-kilometer special and a 225-kilometer link.
Automatic translation of the Spanish version on www.todoterreno.pt
Source: KH-7/ Laia Sanz's official press release
Helder