LEG 5 : Sunday 1st of January 2012 - ASSA / AS SAKNLiaison :10 km - SS : 290km – Liaison : 15 km

Third stage win for Team Sonangol Schlesser!Determinated to start the best as possible 2012, Team Sonangol Schlesser signed a great success in the Sonangol Africa Eco Race.

The overall leader claimed his third victory in the stage between Assa and As Sakn. More and more comfortable with his new « job », Cyril Esquirol has not disappointed the "Desert Fox"!The shortest stage of the rally (290 km) did not escape to Jean-Louis Schlesser and Cyril Esquirol. Starting from the third position in Assa, the driver of the Buggy Sonangol Schlesser wanted to start this new year on top.

The only disappointment on this perfect strategy, was not being able to overtake Régis Delahaye because of the dust, despite a great progression 80 km from the finish.

"It was a very nice stage but we suffered from the dust during 150 km. We started on a nice pace but we preferred to stay careful to avoid any mistake. Our fear was to have a puncture but the new Cooper tires have been very effecient, and no puncture. Cyril did a good navigation and we win ! Nice start on 2012. "Before crossing the Mauritanian border, tomorrow's stage will drive competitors to Dakhla where the caravan will be make a stop. A 376 km special stage followed by 348 km of liaison. A long day is announced for the team Sonangol Schlesser.