Peterhansel edges toward new place in record books as pressure builds on Sunderland at Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge

ABU DHABI: The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge has produced many final-day dramas down the years, and another thrilling climax is assured as the rally returns from the Al-Dhafra dunes to the UAE capital.

Following Wednesday’s 243 km Abu Dhabi Aviation Stage 4, it will take a spectacular turnaround to prevent a seventh cars’ triumph for Stephane Peterhansel, but the battle for victory on two wheels remains wide open.

“Today was not easy for us but we did good work to get here in good shape,” said Peterhansel. “(Thursday) we need to drive safe and be safe because we want to win, so we will do our best.”

Peterhansel, in an Audi RS Q e-tron, has increased his overall lead to 33 mins 21secs from the 2018 champion, Czech Martin Prokop, in a Ford Raptor, and needs only to avoid disaster on the last day to become the most successful driver in the event’s 31-year history.

Prokop said: “I tried to enjoy the stage and the dunes — that is why we are here and taking part in this fantastic rally. Tomorrow, well, the last stage is always with mixed feelings. I always enjoy going into Abu Dhabi, but it is a long stage so it is not easy.”

It is a completely different story on two wheels, with the top four separated by just 2 mins 34 secs, and a succession of other leading factory team riders waiting to pounce following today’s memorable first-stage win for Argentina’s Luciano Benavides. He lies ninth on a Husqvarna, 11 mins off the pace, but was ecstatic after a brilliant ride.

Sam Sunderland’s lead on his GasGas was slashed by more than 4 mins to just 23 secs from Chile’s Pablo Quintanilla on a Honda, and Australian Toby Price is just 1 min 19 secs further away, ahead of American star Ricky Brabec on another Honda.

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