Skip advert
Advertisement

Dakar 2011 First Stages

We look at the main contenders and find out how they are getting on so far in the race

The 2011 Dakar is now underway and I thought I would try and give you some updates on this amazing race over the next fortnight. The favourites for the overall T1 prototype class have to be the four crews in the Volkswagen Race 3 Touaregs (you can read about my drive in one in the current 153 issue of evo) and principal among them is the 2010 winner Carlos Sainz. The main challenge to VW will likely come from Stephane Peterhansel in his BMW X3, but others to watch out for include Chicherit Guerlain in his Mini Countryman and Robby Gordon in his Hummer H3. Mitsubishi meanwhile are the favourites in the T2 production car class.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The ceremonial start in Buenos Aires…

…was followed by a 788km stage the next day with 222km of special stage which was mostly fast gravel tracks and so suited to those with WRC experience. As such, it was no surprise to find Sainz in the lead. The Mini was already looking fragile though… 

 

 

Day two, with 324km of SS through agricultural landscape from Cordoba to San Miguel, was more of the same with the fast stages seeing Nasser Al-Attiyah coming in second behind Sainz. It wasn’t all plain sialing for VW, however, as Mark Miller had a big crash in his Touareg.

 

Check back here for more updates on how the rally is progressing

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

£200k is a lot for a new 911 Turbo so here are some used options
Used Porsche 911 Turbo
News

£200k is a lot for a new 911 Turbo so here are some used options

The new 992.2 Turbo S has supercar-slaying performance and a bona fide supercar price. Pay less for a used one and get very nearly as much performance…
11 Sep 2025
Audi R8 V8 (2007 - 2015) review – the Porsche 911’s equal is a bargain super sports car
Audi R8 V8
Reviews

Audi R8 V8 (2007 - 2015) review – the Porsche 911’s equal is a bargain super sports car

The Audi R8’s launch was perhaps one of the biggest moments in 2000s performance motoring. It’s as sweet today as back then
9 Sep 2025
Toyota GR Yaris Aero Performance pack detailed – Japan has all the fun yet again
Toyota GR Yaris with aero pack
News

Toyota GR Yaris Aero Performance pack detailed – Japan has all the fun yet again

We’re not getting the option of an Aero Performance pack in the UK. We’re still poring over the details, though
12 Sep 2025