The Spaniard from Ford is leading the overall Dakar after the first part of the Marathon stage
“The Marathon stage is decisive”, Carlos Sainz had warned on the eve. As already happened in the first week, the day without assistance presented twists and turns in the rankings. The first to suffer was Nasser Al-Attiyah, who lost precious minutes due to navigation errors in the first part of the special. It happened in a canyon, where it was easy to make mistakes due to the many tracks. And even if he recovered in the final dune sector, it was not enough to maintain the overall lead. Nani Roma took advantage of this to bring his Ford ahead of everyone. Carlos Sainz (Ford) is second while Al-Attiyah slips to third overall.
“problems for everyone”
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“It wasn’t a perfect special”, says Roma who can boast of having won the Dakar on motorbikes and cars. “It was tough for everyone, we also had problems with the tires and navigation too, but in the meantime we’re enjoying the result.” Even the second part of the Marathon up to Bisha promises to be very tough. “It will be a stage where there is more to lose than gain. We will take stock once we reach Bisha. Stage 10 could be decisive, the rally could be played out on it. but we have to put everything in perspective”, underlines the Spaniard. With his eyes he peers into the distance. “I have to look for my wife.” Rosa Romero, Mrs. Roma, races in a car after having raced many Dakars on a motorbike. “We will try to have a good stage. The Dakar taught me not to give up. in the race as in life.” Nani Roma has defeated the disease and with Rosa he is also facing the rehabilitation of his son who suffered a serious accident while doing motocross. “Nani deserves this satisfaction”, Carlos Sainz is the first to compliment. “He’s a lion, he’s having a good race and he deserves it.”