Blog Lisbonne Dakar 2008 - Luc Alphand - Par Sandy Divelec

Numerous spectators came to applaud the competitors of this first Central Europe Rally of the Dakar Series.

The prize giving, of all the categories, was held in the center of Balatonfüred. The ceremony began with sunny weather however the rain was also not far off. When it was Stéphane Peterhansel's turn to climb up the steps of the podium, he slipped from the top to the bottom of the podium which made everyone laugh including himself!

The race is now over and the crew members have still some events programmed. This evening there is a gala dinner which is held by the race organizer, A.S.O. There will be no sleeping in the next day as a co-drive will be held in the assistance park of Veszprem for journalists and VIP's.

Let us not also forget the tour of the VALEO factory on Monday where the employees will have the opportunity to meet with Luc, Gilles, and some members of the Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart team.

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Vidéo envoyée par Sandy_Dakar

There is not much difference in time between the first 4 cars. The first and third places may be obtained with only a 10 second difference. Stéphane Peterhansel is in second place of the provisional general ranking just behind the Spaniard, Carlos Sainz of VW. Luc Alphand is presently in 4th position at only 7 seconds from his rival Dieter Depping of VW. There will be a big fight between the reds and the bleus! Le moral est au beau fixe mais la tension monte à 10 minutes du départ… La spéciale de 155 km qui départagera les quatre premiers, se déroule autour du Lac Balaton en Hongrie.

The teams spirit is good however the pressure is on at only 10 minutes from the departure…The 155 km special of today, near to the Balaton Lake in Hungary, will place the competitors in their final positions.

The crew members Nani Roma/Lucas Cruz of the Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart team also took the departure this morning. They will leave in 10th position. They have been allowed to take the departure today, despite their withdrawal in order to continue driving in rally conditions and to honour the Spanish journalists who have made the trip to Hungary.

During the second timed special stage of 54 km, Carlos Sainz (VW) maintains his 18s advantage over Stéphane Peterhansel and 6mn14s over Luc Alphand in the overall provisional general ranking on this 6th stage of the Central Europe Rally.

The first three vehicles have been racing hard since the beginning and the first place is only seconds away. The last special, tomorrow morning around the Balaton Lake in Hungary, will determine the final positioning of the teams.

Unfortunately the crew Roma and Cruz had to give up their place to their place today due to a broken steering rod.

The battle is on… Tomorrow will be a big day!

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Vidéo envoyée par Sandy_Dakar

The race is very close...Stephane Peterhansel and Carlos Sainz have been playing cat and mouse since yesterday!

During this cloudy morning, Carlos Sainz regains the head of the race with the best time of the 6a Special at 1h37mn and 23s followed by Peterhansel at only 28 seconds.

The provisionnel general ranking is now again headed by Sainz (VW) who is leading the overall general classification with a 6 second advance over Stephane Peterhansel. This afternoon's stage promises to be interesting.

Luc Alphand and Gilles Picard are in 4th position just behind Checherit (BMW) at 2 minutes. The crew Alphand/Picard are in 4th position on this first stage and due to the withdrawel of Roma/Cruz they are 3rd in the general ranking at 5 minutes from the leader.

The day will be thrilling...the crews are racing elbow to elbow for the victory of the general ranking.

Wonderful turn in events in the general ranking between this morning and this afternoon...After a flat tire and the minutes lost this morning where the Peterhansel/Cottret crew passed the lead to Carlos Sainz with a three second advance after the 156 km of special stage.

Their efforts were rewarded during the 2nd special of the day as they obtained the best time of the SS5b with 34mn05s, followed by Carlos Sainz at 25s. Peterhansel and Cottret maintain their place as leader.

The 56km special was also good for the Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart team as the crews Roma/Cruz and Alphand/Picard came in 3rd and 4th.

In the general ranking, the Spanish duo climbed up to third place and the Alphand/Picard crews maintain their fifth position.

No surprises in store for tomorrow's 6th stage as it will be identical to today's. The crew members will have to make the difference.

The competitors will race the same two specials tomorrow around the military camp of Veszprem; 1st of 156km and the second 54km. A good number of spectators will be able to appreciate seeing the vehicles in action as most of the route is in a huge green and muddy field.

Etape 5 / Résultats SS 5b: 1. Peterhansel, 2. Sainz, 3. Roma, 4. Alphand, 5. Baldwin, 6. Depping, 7. Sousa, 8. Chicherit 9...

Classement général provisoire après SS 5b : 1. Peterhansel, 2. Sainz, 3. Roma, 4. Depping, 5. Alphand, 6. Sousa, 7. Baldwin, 8. ... 7. Sousa, 8. Chicherit 9...