Stage 5 summaryPending validation, Spaniard Carlos Sainz (VW) won the fifth special scratch time stage, with a time of 3’36’39’’, 30’’ ahead of Frenchman Stephane Peterhansel (Mitsubishi), strengthening his position at the top of the general rankings with a lead that now totals 3’36 over his team-mate Giniel De Villiers (VW). The South African finished 3rd yesterday, 1’41 behind Sainz. For the two-wheel drive vehicles, Russian Serguey Shmakov (ZIL) picked up the stage victory with the 11th-placed scratch time. In the Open category, American Robby Gordon (Hummer) triumphed with the 15th-placed scratch time. Finally in the Production category, Italian Maurizio Traglio (Nissan) was victorious, coming 39th in the scratch time standings.
Moto
Stage 5 summaryPending validation, Spaniard Isidre Esteve Pujol (KTM) won the fifth special scratch time stage, with a time of 3’56’22" ahead of Spaniard Marc Coma (KTM), who nonetheless still leads the general rankings 9’56 in front of Esteve. Third place of the day went to Frenchman Cyril Despres (KTM), 5’02 behind. In the 450 cc category, Portugal’s Ruben Faria (Yamaha) triumphed, with the 6th-placed scratch time. In the Marathon category, Latvian Janis Vinters (KTM) was victorious, with the 14th -placed scratch time. Finally, as regards the quads, Spaniard Juan Manuel Gonzalez (KTM) won.
Auto
It’s all over for the Fiat 4x4s!Timed-out at the start of the day’s special stage and suffering from technical problems, Bruno Saby and Miki Biasion have both dropped out of the rally today. However, the two drivers and their team have decided to stay in Foum-Zguid for several days in order to carry out tests with a view to taking part next year.
Trucks - Chagin drops out
No. 500, CHAGIN/YAKUBOV/SAVOSTIN – KAMAZFollowing a mistake after 292 km of the day’s special stage, Vladimir Chagin, the five-times winner of the rally who was leading the general rankings, has been forced to drop out of the race.
Trucks - Stacey wins the special stage
No. 501, STACEY/GOTLIB/DER KINDEREN – MANNow that the first 3 trucks have finished the 5th special stage, Dutchman Hans Stacey has triumphed, 3’51 ahead of countryman Gerard De Rooy and 11’46 in front of Russian Ilgizar Mardeev.
Chagin tips over
No. 500, CHAGIN/YAKUBOV/SAVOSTIN – KAMAZThe leader of the general rankings, Vladimir Chagin made a mistake after 292 km and tipped his truck on its side. Having suffered a diesel intake problem after 179 km, which lost him 21 minutes, the Russian was trying to make up for lost time.
Moto - It’s all over for Cornel de Villiers
No. 254, CORNEL DE VILLIERS - YAMAHA, QUADAfter suffering engine failure after 257 km of this 5th special stage, South African quad rider Cornel De Villiers could not repair the problem and is now waiting for the ‘broom car’.
Esteve triumphant in today’s special
No. 4, ISIDRE ESTEVE - KTM, SUPER PRODUCTION Now that the first 75 bikes have completed the 5th special stage, Spaniard Isidre Esteve is the winner with a time of 3’56’22", 1’54" ahead of countryman Marc Coma and 5’02 in front of Frenchman Cyril Despres.
