Zoom Christian Lavieille.

Like yesterday, today's stage, between Al Qaryat and Idri, was definitely not a mere formality. Over this mixed route, the crews needed a mix of prudence and daring, as well as watching out for the last 100 km, which took place in the sand. It was no picnic for Christian Lavieille and François Borsotto, who conceded 24 minutes in the overall classification, dropping from second to fourth position.

In the T2 category, it was a problem-filled day, and at the time of writing, all three Team Dessoude Pathfinders are still out on the trails. As the sun rose, all those still in the event set off to face the many technical difficulties contained in the stage between Al Qaryat and Idri. The sand made its first appearance at the end of this difficult stage, and the first sand dunes saw the gaps between the competitors lengthen.

Today was a difficult day for Christian Lavieille and his Proto Dessoude : “We went around a bit at the start of the stage, due to an imprecision in the road-book, and found ourselves at the front. Up until the 200 km mark, we were totally alone. We were driving on wide salt lakes and plateaus when we were suddenly overtaken by Dominique Housieaux, going at the speed of light… and then by Terranova and Vigouroux. In the sand from the 300 km mark, we lost some time, as we had not let our tyres down. It was a pity, as we had to do 160 km in those conditions. And then, rather stupidly, I got myself beached on a small dune. We lost between 15 and 20 minutes, before getting going. Unfortunately, today was not a good day…”

Christian Lavieille and François Borsotto are now in fourth position in the overall classification. Nothing is lost, and everything is still possible.

As for the three Team Dessoude Pathfinders, they are still out on the route. Laurent Rosso, Jean-Pierre Strugo and Thomas Loussier have still not reached the finish line of the special stage.

André Dessoude joined the rally yesterday evening, from Portugal, where Miguel Barbosa took his third consecutive victory in the Portuguese Cross-Country Championship, driving a Proto Dessoude.

Tomorrow's stage is full of danger … sand, sand and more sand, over 359 km. Three quarters of the distance will be off-track, in the heart of the Oubari Erg. Possibly the most beautiful stage of this edition of the rally.

© CAPSIS International