THE MOTORSPORT LAP
Adverse weather puts rally drivers and cars to test
The 2017 Dakar Rally is done and dusted but it was not without any controversy
Billed as one of the toughest races in the world, the 2017 Dakar Rally had its fair share of controversy following two stage cancellations during the two-week race due to poor weather conditions. This meant stages 6 and 9 of the 12 had to be cancelled, leading to navigation nightmares for a number of competitors. Nonetheless, at the end of the Rally in Buenos Aires, Argentina it was Dakar veteran Stephane Peterhansel who clinched his seventh victory in the competition on four wheels and his 13th overall. This was Peterhansel’s second win for Peugeot after leaving Mini two years ago. He was followed by team-mate, Sebastien Loeb. Cyril Despres came in third to seal a Peugeot-only podium this season. The first Toyota Hilux of a number participating this year was that of Nani Roma, who finished a credible fourth, followed by the Toyota Gazoo Racing team of Giniel de Villiers and Dirk von Zietzewitz, who finished fifth after a rather challenging first week where they picked up two punctu...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.