Stephane Peterhansel it is clear and strong. MD asked him after the prologue stage about the possibility of the organization changing the EoT (equal to technology) and the maximum power of any car varies when the Dakar starts if you notice, by studying the data of Audi, Toyota and BRX in the Dakar stages, having one car with better performance than the others. In this new technical regulation, the FIA aims to even things out with aspiring drives. If they notice that there is a difference between one vehicle and another greater than 5 kW, they will adjust that margin with software or turbo adjustments. Stephen He was clear about it. He was against it, before something like this happened, but he also wanted to show his displeasure with the many complaints that are often made in the car category regarding regulations, something that does not sit well with him. All this, in a chat held with MD this Saturday, where he even forgot December 31 today, totally focused on stage 1 of Dakar which will be held this Sunday, a day in which he does not trust a hair and in which he warns that he must be careful not to make navigational mistakes.
It has been a good start for the Audi team.
Of course. It has been good. The two drivers at the front (Ekström, first, and Loeb, second), are a bit easier (because of the closed circuit style) because they come from Rally or RallyCross like Loeb or Mattias. They are guys who manage very well in situations where they have to get 100% out of the car, so I was very impressed with the results of these two guys. As for me, I am very happy because the third position in the prologue is a good place to choose the starting position for stage 1.
The organization says that phase 1 will not have complicated navigation. Do you expect it to be difficult in that sense?
I hope it’s hard. Last year was very difficult for navigation. I think the next two or three stages will be difficult because we will be between mountains, canyons and there will also be some sand dunes and such places are never easy for navigation, so the problems of -navigate can start this Sunday as soon as a few kilometers. passed. But we don’t know. In turn, this is the most exciting part of the Dakar, not knowing what to expect, because in the roadbook sometimes there is a small error and you can get lost, or sometimes it is easier. No one knows what will happen.
Do you agree with the regulations regarding possible EoT (Performance Equivalence) changes that could be applied once the Dakar starts if there is a car that is higher than the others to equalize things?
nerd First of all, it is quite similar to the rules of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Now it is forbidden to talk about Balance of Performance, if you talk about BoP you have a penalty and it’s good that we have the same rule in Dakar. I know another pilot who cried and cried for over 10 or 15 years, always, always… always. I’m from motorcycles and there’s nothing like that there. Motorcycle riders fight as hard as they can and never talk about motorcycle regulations. On the other hand, in cars, it’s… well, I don’t want to comment on BoP, but if there’s a possibility that the equivalents change in the middle of the race, I think that would be a big one. mistake
What will you do on this last day of the year? Any celebration?
Sorry, I don’t understand what you mean.
December 31 is now.
Oh yes? It’s 31! I forgot (laughs). I forgot December 31st. I will go to bed before 00.00 for sure, but I hope that the team cooks a slightly better dinner than the rest of the days (laughs).
Source: La Verdad
I’m Rose Herman and I work as an author for Today Times Live. My expertise lies in writing about sports, a passion of mine that has been with me since childhood. As part of my job, I provide comprehensive coverage on everything from football to tennis to golf.
