Stage 5: Neuquen – San Rafael 07.01.2009: DAKAR 2009 Stage 5 - Wednesday 7 January 2009 Neuquen to San Rafael Connection 173 km - Special 506 km - Connection 84 km

DAKAR 2009 Stage 5 - Wednesday 7 January 2009  Neuquen to San Rafael
Connection 173 km - Special 506 km - Connection  84 km

There are 762.71 km on the menu for the 5th stage, of which 505.64 will be against the clock, over a varied route, alternating between bumpy and quick tracks, as well as some off-track racing with, in particular, the first major sandy stretches and ranges of dunes to be crossed at the end of the specials stage.

This could well be an opportunity for Mitsubishi to take advantage of its drivers’ experience and make up some ground on the Volkswagens and especially the BMWs, the surprise package of this start to the Dakar.

In the bike race, Frenchman Cyril Despres (KTM) will have same goal, in order to continue climbing up the general standings, whilst Spaniard Marc Coma (KTM) could allow himself to just make sure he loses no ground…


READY, STEADY, GO!

At the end of yesterday’s Stage 4, 420 crews - 171 bikes, 24 quads, 151 cars and 74 trucks - finished the stage ane are in the rankings... As to the race, Spanish rider Marc Coma (KTM), winner of yesterday’s stage and leader by far in the general standings, has started the day’s special stage at 7:35 AM as scheduled, followed 2’ later by Frenchman Cyril Despres (KTM).


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