The mechanical problems of Sebastián Guayasamín in the Dakar Rally
The mechanical problems have disrupted the participation of Ecuadorian Sebastián Guayasamín in the Dakar Rally this year. Along with Argentine navigator Ricardo Torlaschi, they have overcome multiple obstacles to continue in the race and seek to complete the course, although they are out of contention in the overall standings.
In addition to the engine damage in the third stage, they also encountered a gearbox problem on the sixth day, causing them to lose "a lot of hours." They arrived at the camp in Ha'il in the early hours of Saturday, where the race has a rest day that will be used to prepare the Polaris RZK XP Pro.
"It's 2:00 am (local time) and we are arriving at the camp. It was a very difficult stage. We had problems with the gearbox, with an oil leaking hose that damaged it. We were stranded at kilometer 348 of the special stage. From there, we had to lock the gearbox in one gear and move slowly until the end of the special stage. Then, we asked to be towed to the camp. We lost a lot of hours, a lot of time," lamented the capital driver.
At the camp, the Xtremeplus Polaris Factory Team will have to work hard. "We have to work a lot on the car," Guayasamín revealed.
"It's a rest day, but we will have to work a lot. We will install a new gearbox, and that will make the car ready to face the second half of the competition. We are tired, but eager for more," expressed the Ecuadorian.
Sebastián Guayasamín continues in the Dakar despite mechanical problems. The latest was a gearbox failure. The race has a rest day this Saturday in Ha'il, which will be used to prepare the vehicle and face the second half of the rally, "eager for more." pic.twitter.com/TczWweE4Fk
— Marcelo Gallo O. (@Marcelo_GalloO) January 9, 2021
Torlaschi, on the other hand, spoke of "a very tough day, more than 18 hours in the car, but we finished with a smile. We still have a long way to go," said the Argentine.
The conditions of this year's Dakar are different and challenging compared to last year, according to Marco Piana, director of Xtremeplus.
"There are many damaged cars. Co-pilots have struggled with navigation, and drivers have ended up exhausted with very long speed stages. Our technical team is trying to ensure that all cars make it, but the difficulty of the terrain is extreme," he affirmed.
The toughest and most prestigious rally raid in the world continues on Sunday with the seventh stage, which will take place between Ha'il and Sakaka, with a liaison of 267 kilometers and a special stage of 471 kilometers. The organization of the Dakar, which is celebrating its 43rd edition in 2021, highlighted that it will be "a marathon stage with a parade of sand mountains and 100 kilometers of continuous up and down." (D)