Declarations
car
Stéphane Peterhansel (FRA - Mitsubishi - 3rd)
"Now the tracks have changed. They are narrow and full of traps, with many trees on each side. If you drive safely, there is no problem, but as soon as you attack, there is a real risk of crashing off the track. Luc’s crash was definitely not his fault. It could have happened to anyone. Actually it will let me breathe a bit since until now it was very tight between the two of us. However, nothing is done yet. I wouldn’t like to be on my own I the race lead since, in case of trouble, there would be no Mitsubishi behind to support me. I don’t think the positions will be frozen. Luc will have to defend his second place, so will I for my first place. Anyway, we all will have to attack until the end if we wan t to be on the podium. And the icing on the cake would be to see Nani join us on the podium."
car
Carlos Sainz (SPA – VW – 1st)
"After three difficult days for the team, it is a pleasure to come back in front of the race. And this stage victory is always good to seize. But above all, I am very pleased to offer this gift to my mechanics who made a great job yesterday night so that I could be in the race today. About the stage itself, there was a bit of dust but nothing serious compared to what we experienced in Morocco. So we really enjoyed ourselves."
car
Mark Miller (USA – VW – 4th)
"The stage was full of traps today. We really frightened ourselves in a short right turn. We almost hit a tree and scratched off our right rear view mirror. Then I stopped to help out Giniel when he had his electrical problems, but we didn’t lose too much time. On the other hand, navigation was very hard, and there were many stones on the track. At least, the result is good, and we enjoyed ourselves. So it was obviously a good day."
car
Nani Roma (SPA- Mitsubishi - 2nd)
"It was a good special today. The pace has got faster since we left the dunes to enter much faster areas. I really had good fun. My goal is still to be on the podium in Dakar even if it is only my second Dakar in a car. I have to keep on driving at my pace, without forgetting my own limits. Since I used to be a rider, I am very sad about what happened yesterday. I didn’t know Andy very well but I know that KTM team manager called him four or five times to convince him to join the team. It is very sad for his family."
—> Modifier
car
—> Modifier
Luc Alphand (FRA - Mitsubishi - 15th)
“I tried to gain ground on Stephane Peterhansel just to prove to him that I was still driving at the right pace. That was the game of the day. I had no choice but to take risks and drive fast. We hit a small tree, the wheel was damaged but I’m glad that we could repair rapidly. At the end of the stage, we limited our time loss. As for the final victory, it’s over. I just want to keep my second overall position. I’m not angry, just disappointed. But I have no regret in attacking today. I agree that I made a mistake but everything is ok compared with yesterday’s motorbike race."
car
Benoit Rousselot (Fra - Toyota - 1er Production)
"It was hard. Last night we had not slept since only got to the bivouac at 8 am. In fact, we broke something on the car and had to wait for the assistance truck for more than 6 hours, and once he arrived, it only took us ten minutes two fix it. I am very dispointed since every since collapsed in one day. It is a pity since the car was OK. And now, we can make all the scratches, it is useless.