The penultimate effort, with more than four hours behind the wheel, proved more than satisfactory for Carlos Sainz, who remains the leader of the Dakar Rally with a 10-minute lead over Nasser Al-Attiyah and Stephane Peterhansel. The 57-year-old from Madrid met with scrupulous accuracy at every step of the eleventh stage to keep his two adversaries at bay, who attempted all kinds of attacks on the 379 kilometers timed between Shubaytah and Haradh.
The navigation expertise of Lucas Cruz, co-pilot of Sainz, was essential on a Thursday with an average speed lower than the previous days. The eight minutes delivered to the goal against Peterhansel, who claimed his fourth partial victory, and Al-Attiyah, can be considered a magnificent investment.
At this stage of the race any mistake can be fatal. That is why the Mini leader's strategy becomes more relevant, which on Friday should crown his effort on the last day. A special of 374 kilometers with a goal in Qiddiyah.
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