Francisco “Chaleco” López: “I am very happy with the win, it's perfect”

Dakar 2021 | Stage 12 | Yanbu > Jeddah
January 15 ^th 2021 - 14:40 [GMT + 3]

 Francisco “Chaleco” López, the winner of his category in 2019 on the last Dakar organised in South America, added a second triumph to his roll of honour after having to make do with the third step on the podium last year. Despite a complicated time on stage six when he dropped from first to fifth place in the general standings, the Chilean regained the leadership in Neom and kept it until the very end of the rally.

“It was a very, very difficult stage. This year was very difficult for preparation due to the big problems with COVID all over the world. But I’m very happy for my sponsors, for my country and for my co-pilot Juan Pablo. Last year I finished on the podium but the win was not possible, but this year I am very happy with the win. It's perfect. I think the difference was the navigation. It was a long, long race and a difficult race. With all the stones, the navigation and the sand, it was very complicated. It’s my best victory and I’m very happy”.