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This first major stage, between Matmata and Nalut in Libya, allowed those taking part in the Rally of Tunisia to really get do wn to business. Over a 295 km special stage, a first real hierarchy was established in the overall classification. Christian Lavieille claimed the first place, while in the T2 category, the three Nissan Pathfinders secured the top three positions, with Jean-Pierre Strugo leading ahead of Tho mas Loussier and Laurent Rosso.

This second race day started with a short liaison section, the 21 km taking the competitors to the Tunisian Pre-Atlas mountain range. Most of this sector took place on a rough, stony track, where it was important to remain very cautious. The navigators had plenty to do, with many changes of direction until they reached the Libyan frontier, which was the end of the 295 km timed stage. The finish took place at the superb Oueni wadi, going through a landscape with grand canyons. Finally, a 121 km liaison section took the survivors of this first day of rally-raid competition to the Nalut bivouac.

For Christian Lavieille and François Borsotto, who took the lead of the overall classification after setting the best time in the stage, today was a problem-free day : « I found it a bit difficult to get on the pace this morning and to keep my concentration, but when Eric (Vigouroux) overtook us, I ‘woke up'. Both of us got a bit lost, but we got going again in the lead. The navigation was far from easy, and François did a good job. We took care of our tyres, and didn't have any punctures, unlike many of our rivals. At the end of the stage, we were very careful. The car is handling perfectly, and the team's mechanics are doing a great job. So far, things are going rather well, but it's only just starting.»

Winning the stage, the Dess oude Proto took the overall lead ahead of Eric Vigouroux (Protruck) and Dominique Housieaux (Buggy Schlesser).

In the T2 category, Jean-Pierre Strugo and Jean Brucy set the best time and took the lead in T2. It is worth noting that they are currently 13th overall, with their Nissan Pathfinder. « We got slightly lost, but there were no real consequences. I understand that we were not the only ones ! The stage was beautiful, and very technical. We are delighted to be in the lead, but there is a long way to go before we reach the finish line in Djerba … »

Thomas Loussier and Bernard Irissou, who were leading the category yesterday, had a few minor problems.. « We set off on the right pace, but a small navigation mistake gave us some issues. We lost a joint, and did half the stage with two-wheel drive, in the dust. And, in the dust, ten kilometers from the end, we got stuck on a bank. Thanks to Jérôme Pelichet, we were able to get out of that sticky situation. My thanks to him ! We lost about seven minutes in total. »