Dania Akeel remains in FIA T3 title contention after strong showing in Spain 26.07.2022: Saudi Arabian scores solid World Cup points at Baja Spain Aragón Saudi Arabian driver Dania Akeel remained firmly in contention to challenge for the FIA T3 Championship title after a strong showing at the gruelling Baja Spain Aragón, round four of

Saudi Arabian scores solid World Cup points at Baja Spain Aragón



Saudi Arabian driver Dania Akeel remained firmly in contention to challenge for the FIA T3 Championship title after a strong showing at the gruelling Baja Spain Aragón, round four of the 2022 FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Bajas.


 
Frenchman Stephane Duplé was Akeel’s co-driver in Spain, as the talented Saudi aimed to overcome 35 rivals and finish in a points-scoring position in the competitive FIA T3 category for lightweight prototype machines.
 


Despite intense temperatures that were in excess of 40°C in the shade, choking dust and reduced visibility in some areas, Akeel managed to survive the near 600 competitive kilometres to shadow team-mate and current Cup leader Fernando Alvarez to the finish in Teruel in 13th position.
 


With many of the drivers finishing ahead of her not tackling the full championship, Akeel remains in a strong position to push for the T3 title over the remaining four rounds of the series in Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia and Dubai.  
 


Akeel again drove a Can-Am Maverick XRS that was prepared by the Germany-based South Racing Can-Am Team.
 


Dania said: “After 1000km (including liaison), we were 13th to cross the finish line. I am happy to have gained more experience for the next race. This was my first time in Baja Aragón. There were so many competitors, which was great. In T3, there were 36 cars. It is always fun to have a lot of people in the race.”
 


Competitors faced two demanding selective sections on Saturday. Action got underway with a timed stage of 180.29km that was split into two parts of 84.89km and 95.4km by a neutralisation zone.
 


Akeel faced one of the strongest T3 fields in her short career, as well as exceptionally tricky conditions on the narrow rural tracks.
 


The Saudi clocked a solid time of 3hr 07min 16.8sec for the opener before the second selective ran for 222.13km, where hanging dust was again a serious issue for those running further down the order and there was also a muddy water crossing.
 


Akeel moved up five places up the rankings to 14th following the second stage.
 


Akeel said: “We got stuck in one place and had to select a low gear. We had one puncture on the left side. After the mud the vision was compromised and I didn’t see a stone. But we made it. It was fun.”
 


The third selective section of 159.88km had also been revised slightly from the original schedule. Portugal’s João Díaz pipped Sordo to the category win after the latter sustained a flat tyre, and Akeel stayed clear of trouble to finish 13thoverall, gaining five important World Cup points which keeps her in second place in the T3 standings.
 


Akeel has a multi-year title sponsorship partnership with ALJ Toyota and is receiving additional support from Tamer, Hertz and BF Goodrich for her challenge for honours in the 2022 FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Bajas.
 


The eight-round series continues in Poland at the start of September.




Baja Spain Aragón – FIA T3 final standings:


1. João Dias (ESP)/João Miranda (ESP) Can-Am Maverick X3                                                     7hr 55min 50.0sec

2. Dani Sordo (ESP)/Candido Carrera (ESP) Can-Am Maverick X3                                              7hr 58min 03.1sec

3. Cristina Gutierrez (ESP)/Pablo Moreno (ESP) G Rally Team OT3                                             8hr 00min 13.1sec

4. Pedro Carvalho (PRT)/Nuno Morais (PRT) Can-Am Maverick X3                                             8hr 01min 33.7sec

5. Ricardo Ramilo (ESP)/Bruno Jacomy (ARG) Can-Am Maverick X3                                          8hr 20min 47.5sec

6. Cristina Giampaoli (ITA)/Ricardo Torlaschi (ARG) Can-Am Maverick X3                                   8hr 21min 27.6sec

7. Lionel Costes (FRA)/Paul Costes (FRA) PH-Sport Zephyr                                                        8hr 25min 11.6sec

8. Pau Navarro (ESP)/Pedro Lopez (ESP) Can-Am Maverick X3                                                  8hr 28min 28.0sec

12. Fernando Alvarez (ESP)/Xavier Panseri (FRA) Can-Am Maverick X3                                     9hr 00min 58.6sec

13. Dania Akeel (SAU)/Stephane Duplé (FRA) Can-Am Maverick X3                                           9hr 11min 15.4sec

Simon Melluish - photos Toyota