Volkswagen driver Sainz extends lead at Dakar

Volkswagen continues leading the 2010 Dakar Rally after the sixth of 14 stages with three Race Touareg cars. Carlos Sainz and Lucas Cruz (E/E), who had taken the lead the day before, extended their advantage in the Race Touareg from 4m 37s to 15m 24s. Their team-mates Nasser Al-Attiyah/Timo Gottschalk (Q/D) continue ranking as the overall runners-up ahead of Mark Miller/Ralph Pitchford (USA/ZA) in another Race Touareg.

Almost up to the finish of the 418-kilometre stage from Antofagasta to Iquique in Chile’s Atacama desert it looked as though Miller/Pitchford had taken second place overall. However, on the final 25 kilometres their temporary advantage in the overall standings of 3m 19s over Al-Attiyah changed to a gap of 2m 23s behind Al-Attiyah.

Volkswagen, however, also suffered a set-back on the sixth leg: The Brazilian duo Maurício Neves/Clécio Maestrelli retired from the event after rolling over. The driver and co-driver are in good condition considering the circumstances. Maurício Neves was taken to a hospital for a check.

Kris Nissen (Volkswagen Motorsport Director)

"On the sporting level the day went well for us. The three leading Race Touareg cars made it through the stage alright although it must have been an extremely difficult leg, according to the drivers. The navigation was difficult and the powdery fech-fech sand put high demands on the drivers. Tomorrow we must get through the 600-kilometre – and thus longest – special of the rally before the rest day in good shape. Today’s leg also involved a bit of a shock for us: Our Brazilian duo experienced a severe roll-over. While co-driver Clécio Maestrelli sustained no injuries, driver Maurício Neves complained about chest pains and was therefore taken to a hospital for a medical examination. The fact that neither of them suffered any serious injuries shows that the Race Touareg’s build is very strong and sturdy.”