Dakar 2023: Erik van Loon back in top ten after tough test, Anja van Loon fastest Dutchman

The fourth stage of the Dakar Rally is not on Erik van Loon's list of favorite stages. It is difficult to get into the right rhythm, after the neutralization it goes better and Erik can increase the pace. This puts Erik and Sébastien Delaunay back in the top ten of the classification. Anja van Loon is very happy at the finish of the stage. Together with Dmytro Tsyro she records the fastest Dutch time in the T3 classification, despite a flat tire and some soreness.

"What a tough test," Erik tells us. "The first 210 kilometers was really pounding again. From that my back got sore and I didn't get into my rhythm. We also had a puncture and we couldn't get the wheel out, which cost too much time. The second part was better for me and I managed to find the speed again. I am happy that we are back in the top ten, because there is so much going on around you. We have to keep driving, on to tomorrow."

"What a great day!" says Anja. "It went pretty well, we had a flat tire and crashed into a hole. Because of that I had pain in my neck in left shoulder, at the fuel stop I took a painkiller and after that it went well. It's really cool to be the fastest Dutchman. We set the 19th time and started 32nd and overall we are 16th now, so I am very satisfied. With Dmytro together it's going top and the baby carriage drives very well."

Tomorrow the fifth stage is on the program, which is again a loop around Hail. The test is 375 kilometers and consists mainly of sand and dunes. The first car will start at 9:25 a.m. (7:25 a.m. Dutch time) and is expected at the finish line around 1:30 p.m. (11:30 a.m. Dutch time).

Source Van Loon Racing