News
„RE Autoclub” car crews keep to improve their results in Dakar
12.01.2012
On January 11th on Chili off-roads riders and drivers where continuing their track in Dakara’s 10th stage. In Dakara’s 10th stage both „RE Autoclub” crews where continuing to show convincing results, entering among the best thirty teams. In overall Anton Melnikov/Anton Nikolaev („Mitsubishi Pajero Team”) have been placed among best twenty drivers.
On Dakara rally raid 10th stage all participants needed to accomplish 694 km in Chili off-roads from Iquikque till Arica, with rally raid stage 377 km.
"RE Autoclub” crews continued to show convincing results already for a second stage in a row entering among the best thirty drivers. Ilya Kuznetsov / Roman Elagin ("Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution MPR 107") finished in 21st place that helped to improve his overall position. Melnikov ranked in 28th place, but it was enough to continue to rise up his positions in overall.
Melnikov have reached his peak results till now in overall – 20th place. Kuznetsov, who failed in one of previous Dakar stages, getting penalty time, at the moment is ranked in 46th position.
"We are very happy for results for both of our drivers – getting among the best thirty drivers,” says "RE Autoclub” manager Raimond Elbakjan. "Anton Melnikov managed to reach up to 20th place in the overall. In the last five stages we have set an aim - Melnikov needs to get among top 15 drivers. Both pilots need to continue to drive in their own speed, it will provide for them the same positions. Other participants are getting more and more tired, reached speed progress in stage distances are reducing. "
In the 10th stage the best results achieved rally raid favorites. This time in the first two places are drivers with a "Mini". In the finish spanish driver Nani Roma was ahead french Stephen Peterhansel with 21 seconds, but the third position took representative from South Giniel del Villiers with "Toyota", losing nearly eight minutes.
After the 10th stage in overall first place takes Peterhansel, in second – Roma, but in the 3rd position is an american Robbie Gordon with "Hummer H3".