Today’s 395-kilometre unique comprised a three-way mixture of sand, dirt, and dunes. With navigation proving less testing than on Sunday’s stage seven, times throughout the front runners were highly close, with the top eight separated by only 10 minutes after close to four hours of racing against the clock.
Making the best use of his later start position, Matthias Walkner pushed hard right from the beginning this morning and was soon working his way through the field. Using his skill and experience, the Austrian completed the stage as third fastest, just over four minutes behind current rally leader Sam Sunderland.
Although he will set off near the front on Tuesday’s stage nine, Matthias will start six minutes behind Sunderland and use the opportunity to chase down his rival and make up those valuable minutes.
Matthias
Matthias Walkner: “Every day at the moment is critical because you can win or lose so much time on every stage. Thankfully today went well for me. I was able to push from the back. I gave my all out there today – everything I had – so I’m pleased to come away with third place and close in on the overall leader again.
There are four more days left to go, and with things so close, it is more important than ever to complete each stage without making any big mistakes. I’ll do my best to keep focused and concentrate on the days ahead.”
A sixth-place result on stage eight has moved Toby Price one place further up the provisional overall leaderboard to ninth, just over 30 minutes down on the leader.
With times closing up at the top of the rankings and four more long days left to race, the experienced Aussie knows that a podium result is still well within his reach.
Earning another favourable start position for tomorrow’s stage nine, Toby will be looking to reduce that gap to the leaders further and elevate himself in the overall standings.
Toby
Toby Price: “It wasn’t too bad today. I got through most of the stage pretty well, I did make a couple of mistakes, but it’s hard to be perfect out there. The liaisons from today have meant it’s been a long day in the saddle. All-in-all, the bike was perfect, though, and I’m ready for another day.”
Setting off as the second rider into today’s special, Kevin Benavides maintained a strong pace despite having to open much of the stage. A minor technical issue with his KTM 450 RALLY caused the Argentinian to stop to make a couple of adjustments midway through the special, but he was soon back on track and pushing to make up time.
Completing the stage in 13th, Kevin now lies in an impressive sixth overall in the rally standings and will be aiming to further reduce his 14-minutes-and 47-second deficit to the leader on Tuesday’s stage nine.
Kevin
Kevin Benavides: “I’m pleased with how I rode today. It’s a little frustrating that a minor technical issue cost me some time, but thankfully, I could complete the stage in a good position.
I did make a couple of minor navigation mistakes too, but things went well. It’s encouraging that after losing so much time on the first stage, I am well within the fight for the top positions, so I’ll stay motivated and do my best again tomorrow.”
Two days into the second week of his first-ever Dakar Rally, Danilo Petrucci continues to impress with his speed and consistency.
The former MotoGP™ star ran well inside the top 20 throughout today’s special, only for a small error in the closing kilometres to cost him several minutes and drop him down the order. Happy with his riding, Petrucci looks forward to tomorrow and another long day on the bike.
Danilo
Danilo Petrucci: “I’m happy to get to the finish as it was a very, very long day today. I tried to find a good solid rhythm and then attack when it was safe to do so from the start.
I was pleased with my navigation, but towards the end, I found myself in the wrong canyon and had to turn around to get back on track. It’s frustrating, but it also means I have a strong starting position for tomorrow.”
KTM-supported privateer Mason Klein put in another exceptional performance, finishing the long stage as fifth fastest.
The 20-year-old continues to impress on his debut Dakar with his speed and impeccable navigation skills. Today’s result places the American 10th overall and as a leading rookie.
Provisional Results Stage Eight (overall) – 2022 Dakar Rally
- 1. Sam Sunderland (GBR), GASGAS, 3:48:02
- 2. Pablo Quintanilla (CHI), Honda, 3:50:55 +2:53
- 3. Matthias Walkner (AUT), KTM, 3:52:13 +4:11
- 4. Ricky Brabec (USA), Honda, 3:54:46 +6:44
- 5. Mason Klein (USA), KTM, 3:56:10 +8:08
Other KTM
- 6. Toby Price (AUS), KTM, 3:56:41 +8:39
- 13. Kevin Benavides (ARG), KTM, 4:03:04 +15:02
- 25. Danilo Petrucci (ITA), KTM, 4:11:56 +23:54
Provisional Standings – 2022 Dakar Rally after 8 of 12 stages
- 1. Sam Sunderland (GBR), GASGAS, 27:38:42
- 2. Matthias Walkner (AUT), KTM, 27:42:27 +3:45
- 3. Adrien Van Beveren (FRA), Yamaha, 27:43:25 +4:43
- 4. Pablo Quintanilla (CHI), Honda, 27:44:12 +5:30
- 5. Joan Barreda (ESP), Honda, 27:53:20 +14:38
Other KTM
- 6. Kevin Benavides (ARG), KTM, 27:53:29 +14:47
- 9. Toby Price (AUS), KTM, 28:11:12 +32:30
- 10. Mason Klein (USA), KTM, 28:14:08 +35:26
via KTM
