Due to a navigation error, the motorcyclist lost around 25 minutes on yesterday’s ninth stage and only finished 27th at the finish in Haradh. “I screwed up quite a bit,” said the Kuchler, who is eleventh overall and is now 44:36 minutes behind the leading Husqvarna driver Skyler Howes (USA).
Tuesday’s stage would have offered a good opportunity to make up ground, as other drivers also went astray on the 358-kilometre special. In the end, however, Walkner took too much risk: “Before the start, I decided that I would try to follow the tracks of the drivers in front and pay less attention to the navigation in order to make up time.” That backfired. Due to the rain of the past few days, some of the slopes noted in the road book were no longer recognizable.
Dangers in the direction of the compass
“I got lost for almost 20 minutes,” said the 36-year-old. He had to orientate himself in stony terrain across country according to the cardinal points and almost didn’t find his way back to the right route. “It’s very frustrating. Even if my driving performance was very good,” said the KTM rider. “Unfortunately, there isn’t much left inside now. It’s 100 percent my own fault.”
Kevin Benavides (Arg) clinched his second victory of the day. In the cars, Sebastien Loeb (Fra) won while Carlos Sainz (Esp) overturned in an accident. A helicopter was supposed to fly the Spaniard to a hospital, but Sainz canceled the flight and was taken to his car.
more from motorsport
Adrien Fourmaux wins January rally ahead of Simon Wagner
Walkner: “I drive like raw eggs”
Eighth Dakar day rank for Walkner – Howes further ahead
Walter Röhrl: “The January rally would have what it takes to be a World Championship race”
My themes
For your saved topics
found new items.
info By clicking on the icon you add the keyword to your topics.
info
Click on the icon to open your “My Topics” page. They have of 15 tags saved and would have to remove tags.
info By clicking on the icon you remove the keyword from your topics.
Add the theme to your themes.
Source: Nachrichten
I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.
