Dakar : Leg 7 - News after CP 2All the main favourites of the car race are back in the good direction and on their way to CP1. Jean-Louis Schlesser appears to be driving with team mate Magnaldi and Chicherit (BMW) while Peterhasel and Alphand (both on Mitsubishi) are slightly ahead.
"Peter" fastest at CP1
Three cars have made it so far at CP1 (km 209) and the fastest time is for Stephane Peterhansel (Mitsubishi). The double title-holder who managed to find the correct way has a 2`14" advantage on teammate Luc Alphand who had taken off two minutes before him his morning at the start of the special. Third so far is Jutta Kleinschmidt (Volkswagen), 6`20" adrift.
Alphand virtually overall leader
Second fastest at CP1 (km 209) Luc Alphand is virtually the new overall leader of the race. The Frenchman would have a lead of over 2` on Kleinschmidt and over 6` on De Villiers. The South African lost some 8`19" on Alphand at CP1 and 10`21 on Peterhansel, the fastest so far.
Schlesser buggies lose time at CP1
Both Schlesser buggies of Jean-Louis Schlesser and Thierry Magnaldi have lost over 30` on Stehane Peterhansel at CP1 (km 209). Schlesser was 32`31" adrift while Magnaldi lost close to 35`.
Problems for Saby and Sainz
Before CP1 (km 209), Bruno Saby was seen stopped and working on his Volkswagen Race Touareg. The Frenchman then carried on driving and has lost close to 40` on the fastest driver Stephane Peterhansel. At CP1 (km 209), Carlos Sainz, winner of three stages so far, has lost over 35` on the fastest driver so far: Stephane Peterhansel. The Spaniard was seen stuck in the sand before CP1. A better day on the other hand for Marc Miller (Volkswagen) third so far, just under 6` adrift.
De Gavardo fastest at CP2
At the second check point of the day (km 355), Carlo De Gavardo, last to start the day`s special, still had the fastest time. The Chilean had a 1`16 lead on overall leader Marc Coma, 1`53" on Giovanni Sala, 3`37" on Esteve and 7`49" on Ullevalseter. Despres close to 25` adrift at CP2 Title holder Cyril Despres riding alongside his team mate and support rider Michel Gau has made it to CP2 (km 355) and has lost over 25` on he fastest rider Carlo De Gavardo.
Grider quits race
US rider Andy Grider was forced to quit the Dakar after suffering a crash. The KTM Red Bull biker was taken by helicopter to the Atar medical centre but his injuries are not to serious.
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