Chilean Pablo Quintanilla (Husqvarna 450) has lost the lead in the Abu Dani Desert Challenge raid, now held by British Sam Sunderland (KTM), while Argentine Kevin Benavides (Honda) remains on the podium after the third stage.
The 281.38 timed kilometers of the day turned the motorcycle classification upside down. Quintanilla could only be eighth more than 12 minutes behind the winner of the day, Sunderland, who preceded the Austrian Matthias Walkner (KTM).
In the general classification, the Briton has more than seven minutes of advantage over Walker and Benavides is third at almost ten minutes, while Quintanilla falls to fourth place at almost eleven.
The Chilean explained that “he was having a great day up to the point of supply” despite the fact that the first one had come out as the winner of the previous stage.
“Immediately from the refueling point I had a small technical problem that did not allow me to continue at the same pace. I have not been able to keep up with the best and I have done everything possible not to waste a lot of time. In the end I am happy to have arrived and to continue still a short distance from the leadership. Now we have two stages. Anything can happen and I will do everything possible to recover, “he explained.
Benavides, for his part, commented that he came out “to squeeze” and after reaching the head he opened the track for part of the day. «I felt confident with this very special desert and on the bike, which gives zero problems. We must continue like this, pushing, the two remaining days of the rally and see how this race ends, “he said.
In cars, the Czech Martin Prokop (Ford F 150 Evo) maintained the lead, although he was third of the day and lost some time compared to his pursuer, the Polish Jakub Przygonski (Mini Cooper), who is now 8:40 in the general. The fastest of the day was the French Luc Alphand, who recovered after a bad Monday.
On Wednesday the penultimate stage will take place with a total of 390 kilometers, 244 of them timed.
Quintanilla delivers the lead to Sunderland and Benavides remains third
