In the eleventh stage of the Dakar Rally, Anja van Loon, Ben and Jan van de Laar did not get it. The stage was delayed so they had to wait a long time prior to the start. Driving in the dunes was tough and difficult, but they reached the finish without any major problems and drove a good time. Erik van Loon and Hein Verschuuren drove only one test due to the delay, which they finished with a fine result.
The stage was delayed because it was very foggy in the dunes. “Because of that we started 2.5 hours later than expected,” Anja told us. “That didn't make it easy, it was a tough day. We got stuck in the dunes a few times, so all of our packs got soaked. The dunes were really high and some parts very tricky. I'm glad we survived the day and so we are another day closer to the finish.”
Nevertheless, Anja, Ben and Jan did ride an excellent time. “We also had to look for a waypoint for a while, but we still came in ninth. Overall we rise to eighth position, so the result is fine. Tomorrow we have another short stage with a mass start. Yesterday Jan started in the dunes, today was for Ben and I get to do the mass start tomorrow, I like that.”
Because the start of the 11th stage was postponed, the Classic drove only one test. This one Erik and Hein had to open. “That was really hard today. It was bad to see, but we made it. We found out yesterday that for every 100 meters you ride too much, you get penalty points. Then when you have to set the track, you always drive too many. So we're very happy with 170 points today.”
In the H4 standings, nothing seems to stand in the way of a win for Erik and Hein. “Tomorrow we have another test, we just want to get that in without any hassle. We enjoyed ourselves again today and want to do that again tomorrow. The Audi is a beast, a really cool car to drive. On to the last day.”
That final day is another day in the dunes around Shubaytah. The Dakar participants will have a mass start in front of them, followed by a short but intense 60-kilometer test. The Classic participants have another 30-kilometer navigation test to go. This will be followed by the podium ceremony and medal ceremony.
Source: Van Loon Racing
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