The route, which had a total of 732 kilometers, of which 437 were timed, was called to be one of the first major stages of the race due to its semi-marathon format.
The astara Team has successfully completed the third stage of the Dakar 2024 that took place this Monday between Al Duwadimi and Al Salamiya. The route, which had a total of 732 kilometers, of which 437 were timed, was called to be one of the first major stages of the race due to its semi-marathon format.
The organizers of the competition have chosen to introduce a semi-marathon day for this third day. In this way, competing teams only have two hours of assistance after completing the competitive route. At that time, the set-up and repairs had to be completed for the stage this Tuesday, January 9, so any serious problem or accident during the special could also affect the following days.
With all this in mind, Laia Sanz and Maurizio Gerini have adopted a slightly more cautious strategy than this Sunday, the day in which the Barcelona driver achieved what was the best result in her three participations in the car category, With his 16th place, improving the 18th best mark he achieved in the ninth stage of the Dakar 2023.
Despite a puncture in the first 100 km that has forced her to increase caution, Laia Sanz has once again managed to be among the references in the two-wheel drive category, being 4th among the T1.2 Ultimate, which gives her allows it to remain second in its category. The total time of the stage for the Sanz-Gerini duo was 4 hours, 42 minutes and 47 seconds.
Laia Sanz He declared: “It has been a good day. This is probably not the result we like to see, but we had planned to be conservative at one stage with only two hours of attendance. We suffered a puncture at the beginning of the special which made us go even more calmly. We are happy to have returned with the entire car. The team is doing a good job. Tomorrow we hope to attack a little more, in a shorter special with assistance at night.”
Óscar Fuertes, sports director of the astara Team, was once again very satisfied with the development of the competition and the good performance of the astara 02 Concept powered by synthetic fuel, especially on such an important day in which there is limited time for repairs: “We are very happy with Laia’s performance, we knew she had that potential and yesterday was the perfect demonstration. “We are also very satisfied with the performance of the Astara 02 Concept and with the collaboration with Century Racing which has given us a perfect material.”
The race now enters a crucial moment. The fourth stage will be held this Tuesday, January 9, between Al Salamiya and Al Hofuf with 299 timed kilometers. This route is expected to be less technical and faster, so navigation errors will be paid dearly before facing the so-called “48-hour stage”, which will be held before the rest day on Saturday in Riyadh. .
The other pilots
On the other hand, the Astara Team has confirmed that Patricia Pita will not be able to compete in the second stage of the Dakar 2024. The Uruguayan driver suffered a rollover on Saturday, January 6, while going through the first stage.
The accident, which occurred at kilometer 325 of the 414 km of which the stage was made up, resulted in damage to the chassis of the Astara 02 Concept, which led them to withdraw from the competition.
Although she will not be able to get the ‘finisher’ medal on her first attempt, Patricia Pita has been completely focused on continuing to grow in her new stage competing in rally-raids, as well as returning to fulfill her dream of finishing a Dakar Rally in cars.
*About synthetic fuel
Synthetic fuel is completely carbon neutral: its environmental impact is zero. The CO2 that is emitted into the atmosphere during its combustion is the same that has been extracted from the air during the production process.
In addition, it does not emit solid waste or microparticles. Its production is based on obtaining synthesis gas – through the use of renewable energy – which is subjected to successive chemical transformation processes that result in an ecological liquid hydrocarbon that is easy to use, store and transport.
The energy efficiency of synthetic fuel is 12% higher than that of gasoline.
#Dakar #Laia #Sanz #Maurizio #Gerini #semimarathon #astara #Team
– 2024-05-03 14:48:02
