15.01.2012

Latvian team „RE Autoclub” crew Anton Melnikov/ Anton Nikolaev („Mitsubishi Pajero Triton”) on January 14th on Dakara’s 13th stage in Peru off-roads repeated their teammate Ilya Kuznetsov/Roman Elagin („Mitsubishi Pajeo Evolution MPR 107”) higest record till now and took 13th place. In overall Melnikov takes 18th place one stage before the finish.

One stage before rally raid Dakar finish competitors where competing in the Peruvian roads from Nasca to Pisco and did 375 km long distance, with rally stage 275km.

From Latvian team „RE Autoclub” on 13th stage good performance showed Melnikovs, who was just 44 minutes later in finish than rally raid leader french driver Stephan Peterhansel with „All 4 Racing Mini”. Only with 8 minutes Melnikov is behind 10th place pilot - one of Dakar favorites - american driver Robby Gordon („H3 Hummer”). On Dakara’s 13th stage Kuznetsov took 22nd place.

In overall Peterhansel established his leader position, he is 43 minutes ahead second place leader spanish driver Nani Rom („Mini”), but one hour and 15 minutes ahead the ZAF driver de Villier. „RE Autoclub” leader Melnikov takes 18th place, but Kuznetsov - 36th position in overall.

Participation in Dakar rally raid continues “RE Autoclub” truck “Mercedess Benz 1935” with Dmitry Pavlov, Oleg Uperenko and Gints Cirulis. The 14^th stage they will start as 60^th crew.

On January 15th will be held the last stage of Dakar 2012 via Peruvian roads 254km till Peru capital city Lima. This time rally stage will be just 29 km and big surprises and changes in overall is no longer possible.