Just 125 motorcycles, 21 quads, 123 cars and 71 pilots are still in the running as the rally takes a rest day in Copiapó. Some competitors are still arriving at the bivouac after spending the night on the dunes. Halfway through the race, none of the four titles at stake have been decided, but the list of contenders has been whittled down. We look at the two biggest segments of interest, cars and motorcycles.
Motorcycles: Despres and Coma in a league of their own
Over the last few years, the world of rally raid has been fortunate enough to have two amazing riders who hog the most important race of the year: Cyril Despres and Marc Coma. These two pilots, the fastest and most consistent of all, have taken turns winning the last six editions. After 4,563 km (including 1,632 km of specials), it seems like the race will be decided between them in Lima, unless their struggle ends up scuttling the chances of both of them. Right now, Despres has a margin of 7’48” over his teammate and rival.
This is by no means enough for the Frenchman to rest on his laurels, although he has the advantage of being able to mark Coma while not taking too many risks. If he wants to win, the defending champion has no choice but to launch attack after attack – something he is very, very good at.
Cars: The Minis hold their own against the Hummer threat
2 Minis are in the Top 2, three of them in the Top 5 (with Nani Roma 18’05” back in fourth) and four different Mini stage winners: one could be forgiven for thinking X-Raid are the only game in town. And yet the race has been marked by the Hummers’ performances so far! Robby Gordon lies 13’09” back in third, while the defending champion, Nasser Al-Attiyah, would be in the lead if not for his technical problems!
The driver from Qatar won two stages and proved his status as the fastest driver in the rally. He has nothing to lose going into the second week.
