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Issue #11:January 18, 2024
On January 16, Stage 9 of the 2024 Dakar Rally was held between Ha’il and AlUla in Saudi Arabia on mountainous terrain. In the beginning of the 436 km SS (competition section), teams faced sand dunes followed by sand and gravel tracks, with the end of the stage consisting of bedrock. It was a stage full of changes and many sections were difficult to navigate.
The beginning of the SS included sand dunes with areas that are typically difficult to climb for rally cars in the Stock (Production Car) category, but after lowering their tire pressure the team was able to safely clear them. The cars then squeezed through boulders in tight sections that were barely wide enough for the cars, and the hard bedrock surfaces in this stage caused strong vibrations.
Car #500 did not suffer any noticeable trouble other than some issues with the front right shock absorber which lost damping performance. Both cars had a solid run, with Ronald Basso and Jean-Michel Polato of Car #501 in 126th overall in the Car category and 1st in the Stock (Production Car) category. In Car #500, Akira Miura and Mayeul Barbet finished 131st overall and 2nd in the category. As a result, the cumulative rankings are as follows: Car #500 is 81st overall in Cars and 1st in the Stock (Production Car) category, while Car #501 is 118th overall and 2nd in the category.
Teams drove a 149 km liaison after the SS and arrived at a bivouac which was set up in the same location as the Start Camp of the rally. A 371 km loop stage starting from the same location is scheduled for tomorrow, the 17th of January.
Miura (driver): Some of the sand dunes were difficult in the beginning of the stage, but we lowered our tire pressure and didn’t have any problems. After the midway point, there were many hard surfaces and severe vibration. We were able to drive close to Car #501, which gave us peace of mind.
Basso (driver): Today, after catching up to Car #500 who was stuck at the time, we drove together for the rest of the stage. Both our cars suffered no noticeable trouble or punctures – I’m relieved.