Finally the first special clean e Stéphane Peterhansel takes the opportunity to give the paw and put the seal on the tenth stage of the Dakar 2022, from Wadi Ad Dawasir to Bisha. After the victories of Carlos Sainz and Mattias Ekstrom for the Audi team, today it was the turn of Mr Dakar who finally signs his first special victory in this 2022 edition.
“Today we had no problems with the shock absorbers, nor navigation, or technical complications for which we took advantage. Honestly, from Jeddah, this is the first clean stage for us”, says the Frenchman of the Audi Team, out of the fight for victory. from the first day of competition due to a mechanical breakdown.
“It was necessary, also because Carlos and Mattias had already won. Happy? Yes, even if honestly my approach to racing has always been more aimed at the general classification than at the victory of a single stage. Unfortunately, this year it was not like that. . We are pioneers of an innovative project which has nevertheless proved to be very competitive “.
A special day but up to a certain point for someone who has won the Dakar 14 times between cars and motorcycles. “Carlos’ victory was important, because it was the first in an electric car, but I would never trade a stage win for an overall win. Winning today is still good for morale after our complicated start.”
In Jeddah, Peterhansel was aiming to finish in the Top 5. “We knew that reliability would be the big unknown because we got to the Dakar without having done a race first. The balance is positive anyway.”
The Frenchman looks ahead: “Audi must be able to have a reliable and performing car for 2023. I’m sure we will succeed and we will be at the start with a competitive car to fight for the victory. Winning is another thing because it is the sum of many factors. We have seen this year. One navigation error is enough and you can lose up to two hours “, he concluded.
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