Former WRC star Mikko Hirvonen picked up his first stage win in his rookie Dakar Rally, while Stephane Peterhansel preserved his massive lead in the overall standings.Hirvonen, making his Dakar debut with X-raid Mini, was just nine seconds quicker than team leader Nasser Al-Attiyah at the completion of the marathon 481km stage.
Dakar Cars, Stage 12: Hirvonen takes maiden stage win
South Africa’s Leeroy Poulter looked set to take the honours for Toyota, having led each step of the way before slipping behind Hirvonen and Al-Attiyah at the penultimate waypoint – although he did hang on to third ahead of teammate Giniel de Villiers.
Nani Roma followed the Toyota duo in fifth, ahead of Vladimir Vasilyev and Orly Terranova.
In a stage where none of the Peugeots threatened for the top spot, Peterhansel gave up 11 minutes to Al-Attiyah, holding on to a 41-minute advantage as Dakar enters its final 180km stage.
Teammates Cyril Despres and Sebastien Loeb were slightly quicker than Peterhansel, with Loeb completing the stage as the top-placed Peugeot eight minutes off the pace.
Full report to follow tomorrow.
Source: motorsport.com