The Dakar, which is continuing to explore the heart of Saudi Arabia, is taking great strides towards the desert of the Empty Quarter, with a leap of more than 600 kilometres today.

However, before being totally immersed in sand, the riders, drivers and crews had to tackle a wide range of terrains, which were often conducive to navigation mistakes.

Press

Ladies Team de Rooy FPT clear through difficult third Dakar stage

The third stage of the Dakar Rally was a real Dakar day. During the morning it was really hard work for Anja van Loon, Marije van Ettekoven and Floor Maten in the Iveco Powerstar. The dunes the ladies faced were also very difficult at times. But thanks to good teamwork they got through them without any problems. 15th place is therefore a fine result.

“What a day,” says Anja. “Everyone arriving at the service says it, this was a real Dakar day. We bounced all morning in the truck, which was gruelling again. Then we had 40 kilometres of dunes and they were really difficult at times. But by looking smart and determining the best option, we managed to get up the high dunes as well. That was also due to good tyre management and because we didn’t make any mistakes.”

During the final section, it was dark. “That was very tricky with the navigation. But even that went well and we did flawlessly. So it was a very good day and it is rewarded with the 15th time. We are really very satisfied! After the finish, the mechanics have 2 hours to get the truck ready for tomorrow.”

Tomorrow promises to be another long day. The drive from Al Salamiya to Al Hofuf is almost 300 kilometres long and navigation is going to play an important role.

Photos

Videos

With our lead mechanic and workshop manager Corné van Drunen

With navigator Marcel Snijders

With defending champion Janus van Kasteren Jr.

With navigator Edwin Kuijpers