Paris Dakar: Masuoka fights back
After disappointing results over the past two days, Hiroshi Masuoka fought back today (Sunday), winning the second of the Paris-Dakar's 'marathon loop' stages
The Japanese driver had lost a little momentum when punctures and getting stuck in the sand on the 11th and 12th stages had cut his advantage. But he finished today's stage almost 20 minutes quicker than Jean-Louis Schlesser and now leads the rally by over 37 minutes.
Third was Carlos Sousa (Mitsubishi), who was pushing hard for second place until a puncture prevented him from catching Schlesser, while fourth place went to German Jutta Kleinschmidt. The top four drivers in today's stage share the same top four spots in the overall standings.
Fifth was Kenjiro Shinozuka, also in a Mitsubishi, who is partnered by Fred Gallagher, the former World Rally co-driver. Finishing in the top five on one of the rally's most difficult stages is an impressive result, although they are still well back in the overall standings, currently lying in 13th.
After two tough days, Monday's Tidjikja to Tichit stage is relatively easier, with 'only' a 230km timed special for the drivers to deal with. It is the penultimate day in Mauritania before the rally heads to Mali on Wednesday.
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