Team Dessoude: Welcome to hell 10.01.2014: DAKAR 2014 Leg 5 - Chilecito / Tucuman - 01/09/2014 Liaison : 154 km - SS : 527 km - Liaison : 231 km David Castera had described this stage of 912 km (the longest

DAKAR 2014 Leg 5 - Chilecito / Tucuman - 01/09/2014
Liaison : 154 km - SS : 527 km - Liaison : 231 km




David Castera had described this stage of 912 km (the longest of the rally) as the "biggest piece of the week, not to be taken lightly," and the Race Director did not lie. After two selective sections that formed the stage, the damage is heavy in competitors’ ranks who had three consecutive tough days (30% of the competitors is already out of the race).


Today, even for some top names, gaps are huge... The rest day was in Tucuman last year, this year, the one of Salta next Saturday, is still far to many drivers...


  Team Dessoude did not escape from this ruthless stage which disturbed the hierarchy within its ranks but but continues the adventure with all its crews. Extreme heat, soft sand and tough navigation, welcome to hell ...


Until now, Frédéric Chavigny and Guy Leneveu experienced a cloudless sky but the fifth leg was a nightmare. With tracks on soft sand, this stage did not save engines and overheating. From the beginning of the first section, the driver of the Atacama could not avoid to stuck in this extremely tricky sand and lost precious time.


Then after, the engine temperarture increased regularly and driving in such conditions was more and more difficult. At km 180, Fred was stuck again. But when he was pulled out of this mess, the strap broke and went kicking the radiator. With a broken radiator, Frédéric and Guy are at this time with their T4 truck trying to escape from this terrible stage. A very bad day for the crew who was on the right way.

 
The fifth leg is for Régis Delahaye and Jean-Paul Forthomme their third consecutive day of problems. Today, the Buggy Juke struggled against the elements to reach the end of this demanding stage. In addition, starting every day from the back of the grid, increase difficulties. Buggy Juke is expected to join the bivouac of Tucuman in the night.

 
First of the red cars to cross the finish line today was the Buggy of Jean-Pierre Strugo and Bruno Cattarelli. Having learned to appreciate in a few days the two-wheel drive, Jipé started the day on a great pace, staying around the 24th place throughout the first section to finally end the stage in 30th position. The crew # 382 is now at the 33rd place overall.


"The first part of the stage was perfect for us. We were on a good pace and did not make any mistake despite I was far from being in perfect condition. I was gradually dehydrating due to this indredible heat. A bit like the engines today, a big hot shot!


The second section was much less obvious as we had fuel pump problems. We lost half an hour but earned positions overall. We are still at the beginning of the rally, but there is already heavy damage. "

 


Second of Team Dessoude to reach Tucuman, were Yves Tartarin, Stéphane Duplé and their Pickup 03. Finishing at the 43rd place, for them either, the day was not a long quiet river. After experiencing a difficult start in this race, Yves is now in the Top 50 overall (49th).


Today, head to Salta. Cars, bikes and trucks will have again partially different routes. The cars will head north along the famous Ruta 40 in beautiful scenery. The stage will be 424 km long before reaching Salta, the rest day bivouac...
 

Géraldine DESHAYES, photos DPPI