The second stage of the 2020 Dakar resulted in a changing up of positions thanks to strong performances by veterans Giniel de Villers and Nasser Al-Attiyah. The stage that took drivers from Al Wajh to Neom was not as enduring as the previous day’s trial but was not without its challenges.
First-time Dakar competitor and Formula One veteran Fernando Alonso saw an increase in pace over the first part of the stage but was brought to a very sudden stop after an impact with a rock ripped off a wheel of his Hilux. This cost him 2 hours and 30 minutes for repairs.
Other events throughout this stage included navigation problems for Al-Attiyah, Sainz and Peterhansel which cost the trio a lot of time which allowed Giniel De Villiers to jump right to the top and claim his 15th stage win. This win also makes the South African competitor in the history of the Dakar to win specials on three different continents.
A stand-out performance for the day was also Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi’s sixth place finish with his Peugeot 3008 DKR. This pushes him up to 7th place in the overall standings.
Stage 2 results:
1. De Villiers (Toyota)
2. Terranova (Mini): +03:57
3. Al Qassimi (Peugeot): +05:42
4. Serradori (SRT): +09:39
5. A-Attiyah (Toyota): +11:46
6. Sainz (Mini): +13:05
7. Al Rajhi (Toyota): +13:31
8. Seaidan (Mini): +16:44
9. Pelichet (Optimus): +16:47
10: Zala: (Mini): +19:23
Overall standings:
1. Terranova (Mini)
2. Sainz (Mini): +04:43
3. Al-Attiyah (Toyota): +06:07
4. Serradori (SRT): +07:22
5. Zala (Mini): +08:11
6. De Villiers (Toyota): +12:04
7. Al Qassimi (Peugeot): +12:35
8. Peterhansel (Mini): +13:17
9. Al Rajhi (Toyota): +16:05
10. Ten Brinke (Toyota): +21:23
