This is first engine problem that Toyota Gazoo Racing SA has experienced in half a decade. The Toyota Hilux has proven itself to be an extremely tough and reliable race car, but unfortunately Ten Brinke/Périn couldn’t finish the race.
At the other end of the spectrum, Qatar’s Al Attiyah and France’s Baumel powered through the 369 km-long stage, and completed the 560-km liaison without mishap. The pair had a perfectly clean run, and the Toyota Hilux ran like clockwork.
Behind the Qatari and French pairing, Giniel de Villiers and Dirk von Zitzewitz showed their class by posting the third-fastest time on Stage 13, 13:06 behind Al Attiyah. The pair had spent nearly 14 hours in the Toyota Hilux on the day, and were very happy to reach the bivouac at Cordoba.
STAGE 13 RESULTS:
1 N. Al Attiyah (TOYOTA) 05:02:22
2 L. Alvarez (Toyota) +11:16
3 G. De Villiers (TOYOTA) +13:06
4 J. Przygonski (Mini) +15:07
5 M. Hirvonen (Mini) +19:24
OVERALL STANDINGS AFTER STAGE 13:
1 C. Sainz (Peugeot) 47:46:30
2 N. Al Attiyah (TOYOTA) +00:46:18
3 G. De Villiers (TOYOTA) +01:20:00
4 S. Peterhansel (Peugeot) +01:28:08
5 J. Przygonski (Mini) +02:46:32
