Frenchman Stéphane Peterhansel returns to the top
Despite starting Stage 8 in 20th place due to a mechanical problem, Peugeot driver Stéphane Peterhansel managed to climb to the first position of the route between Uyuni and Tupiza in the 2018 Rally Dakar. This enabled him to close the gap with the leader, Spanish driver Carlos Sainz.
Peterhansel wins the longest stage
Peterhansel completed the 498-kilometer timed stage in 5h15m18s, while Sainz finished in fifth position, 7m4s behind. However, in the overall standings, the difference between both drivers is more significant, with Sainz leading by 1h13m42s.
Antoine Meo wins in the motorcycle category
Frenchman Antoine Meo won the stage with a time of 5h24m01s. However, his fellow countryman Adrien Van Beveren remains the overall leader, finishing seventh in this stage.
Simon Vitse wins in quadbikes
Frenchman Simon Vitse arrived first with a time of 6h52m32s, but Chilean rider Ignacio Casale remains in the lead overall. It is worth noting that Stage 9 was cancelled due to weather problems, so the drivers will have to resume the race in Salta, Argentina.
PREVIEW
The Dakar 2018 becomes more challenging
After struggling with the La Paz-Uyuni leg, the competitors will have to overcome the eighth stage towards Tupiza, which will be the longest special stage of the rally, covering 498 kilometers.
A new marathon stage
In addition to the tough terrain, the drivers will have to survive a new marathon stage, meaning that they will not have mechanical assistance during the race, only relying on themselves, their cars, and the help of other participants.
Peterhansel's setback
Frenchman Stéphane Peterhansel suffered a suspension failure near kilometer 196 of the seventh stage, forcing him to repair his car. This caused him to not only lose nearly two hours but also the lead in the overall standings. Spaniard Carlos Sainz took advantage of the Frenchman's mechanical problems and climbed to the first place with a time of 21h41m38s.
Stage 8 Map. (Dakar)
Dakar 2018
Leaders in other categories
It should be noted that the current leaders in the other categories are as follows: Adrien Van Beveren (motorcycles), Ignacio Casale (quadbikes), Reinaldo Varela (UTV), and Eduard Nikolaev (trucks).