The 2014 Dakar sees a new winner for the third consecutive day.
Nani Roma is the third different winner in stages of the Dakar 2014 edition, by winning the 3rd day. The Spaniard ex-motorcycle driver (like teammate Stephane Peterhansel) beat Krzystztof Holowczyc by 1'07, with Leerou Poulter following third on board a Toyota Hilux.
At the bottom, the two main favorites for the final victory appear, read Carlos Sainz and Stephane Peterhansel, pilots who had a third stage below expectations. The Spaniard did not go beyond the 16th position while the French was only 21st.
In general, Nani Roma conquers the lead at the end of the 3rd day, provisionally, followed by Orlando Terranova in 2nd place less than ten minutes away. Nasser Al-Attiyah closed a podium completely formed by MINIS, while Carlos Sainz climbed to fourth place and first «non-MINI» with his Buggy SMG. Peterhansel drops to fifth place, already 24 minutes from Nani Roma.
Tomorrow the Dakar caravan will move on to the fourth day, in a stage between San Juan and Chilecito, where once again difficulties will be constant along the way.
Provisional classification of the third stage:
- 1st Nani Roma (MINI), 02:58:52s
- 2nd Krzystztof Holowczyc (MINI), 02:59:59 (+ 01:07)
- 3rd Leeroy Poulter (Toyota), 03:02:11 (+ 03:19)
- 4th Orlando Terranova/PAULO FIÚZA (MINI), 03:03:46 (+ 04:54)
- 5th Guerlain Chicerit (Corvette LS7), 03:55:04 (+ 03:19)
Provisional overall rating:
- 1st Nani Roma (MINI), 09:20:13
- 2nd Orlando Terranova/PAULO FIÚZA (MINI), 09:29:19 (+ 09:06)
- 3rd Nasser Al-Attiyah (MINI), 09:30:13 (+ 10:00)
- 4th Carlos Sainz (Buggy SMG), 9:32:15 (+ 12:02)
- 5th Stephane Peterhansel (MINI), 9:44:21 (+ 24:08)