This is how the Dakar classification remains after the 8th stage in all categories: Sainz resists Loeb’s attacks

The classification of Dakar at the back of stage 8 in vehicles can be a bit misleading. Carlos Sainz increased its lead at the top of the overall standings against its biggest rival today, Sebastien Loeb. He went from having a 19-minute margin to having more than 25 minutes against the 9-time world rally champion. But attention: Loeb had a good starting position to attack on stage 9starting from the back, from tenth position, trying a good return to try to catch up Carlos Sainzwhich turns out to be 4th.

The Spanish rider has a huge advantage of 25 minutes, a decent cushion to face the last 4 days at the head of the Dakar classification after stage 8. However, he cannot trust it as there are still many kilometers left and Loeb will be back to try with full force.

Sainz, to defend himself with his two teammates

To defend themselves at the top of the classification of Dakar after stage 8 in cars, Sainz, ‘The matador’, He will have the help of his two companions, Ekströmwinner of stage 8, and Peterhansel, which is second. Both will come out ahead with the aim of hitting the nail on the head in navigation to that end Carlos Sainz follow in his footsteps, or roll by his side to help him through any complications the Madrid native may have.

Catalan Monleón remains third with Lucas Moraes

For his part, the Catalan co-pilot Armand Monleonguides to pilot Lucas Moraesremains in third position in the classification of Dakar after stage 8. In this general classification, the Brazilian and Spanish crews have a margin of 29 minutes on the Belgian By Mevius after what Monleon is key at the end of stage 8, assuming the navigation rein by opening the track when Loeb was lost, thus giving his mark to the French to reach the finish line without losing too much time.

Laia Sanz is moving up the ranks

The pilot of Corbera de Llobregat, Laia Sanz, adding and continuing what has been a great Dakar for him so far. He continues to move forward with firm strides and plenty of head, pushing when he needs to and being more cautious when he needs to. That intelligence and his speed led him to place 13th in the Dakar classification after the 8th stage.

We will provide more information when the rest of the Spanish pilots arrive in all categories.

Dakar general classification after stage 8:

1. (ESP) CARLOS SAINZ and (ESP) LUCAS CRUZ, TEAM AUDI SPORT 33H 29′ 10”
2. (FRA) SEBASTIEN LOEB and (BEL) FABIAN LURQUIN, BAHRAIN RAID XTREME + 24′ 47”
3. (BRA) LUCAS MORAES and (ESP) ARMAND MONLEON, TOYOTA GAZOO RACING + 01H 05′ 13′‘
4. (BEL) GUILLAUME DE MEVIUS and (FRA) XAVIER PANSERI, OVERDRIVE + 01H 34′ 18”
5. (RSU) GINIEL DE VILLIERS and (RSU) DENNIS MURPHY, TOYOTA GAZOO RACING + 01H 45′ 12″
6. (FRA) GUERLAIN CHICHERIT and (FRA) ALEX WINOCQ, OVERDRIVE RACING + 01H 56′ 37”
7. (CZE) MARTIN PROKOP and (CZE) VIKTOR CHYTKA, ORLEN JIPOCAR TEAM + 02H 01′ 23”
8. (FRA) MATHIEU SERRADORI and (FRA) LOIC MINAUDIER, CENTURY RACING FACTORY TEAM + 02H 03′ 15”
9. (RSU) GUY DAVID BOTTERILL, (RSU) BRETT CUMMINGS, TOYOTA GAZOO RACING + 02H 24′ 04”
10. (LTU) BENEDIKTAS VANAGAS, (EST) KULDAR SIKK and TOYOTA GAZOO RACING BALTICS + 02H 34′ 24”

13. (ESP) LAIA SANZ and (ITA) MAURIZIO GERINI, ASTARA + 3H 52′ 24”