Benedict Vanagas told what distinguishes him from the top ten in Dakar

“If I used to rush to find answers, analyze and declare aloud many different things that seemed true to me, now I know that the truth will come later. A night’s sleep after the end of the race brings some insight, but that’s a minority of information, ”says B. Vanagas.

The rider, who reached the Baltic record in the Dakar in 2019, makes no secret that he feels the frustration of the people at the unimproved result.

“Because there is public opinion, a conditional escalation is needed. Thus was born the desire to be in the top ten. We didn’t make the top ten this year. And I understand that a lot of people interested in the Dakar feel a little disappointed, because the objective was a little different. “

However, the result is not improved only by positions. Other indicators, according to the athlete, are much more progressive.

“We talk about places, but we don’t appreciate the competition. What was ten a decade ago, and a dozen now, is not exactly the same anymore. If we take our 2019 result, we were eleventh and eight hours behind the leader. 10 minutes This year, at twelve o’clock, we were 5 hours behind the leader, 15 min. “- specifies B.Vanagas.

According to the broker, up to 30 percent. the improved result is a big step forward. However, with the growing competitive environment, the TOP 10 will also not be easily accessible next year.

The athlete says that in the Dakar the most important thing is to make as few mistakes as possible, and each failure is a reflection of preparation. However, the long-term attitude is beginning to change and B. Vanagas admits that even with a lot of experience, it is impossible to predict everything.

“I don’t want this to be an excuse for me or our teammates, but I have to admit that the success factor in the Dakar exists a bit,” recalls Vanags about the later stages.

The driver cites a brief introduction to the new Toyota Gazoo Racing Hilux as one of the factors that has kept it from the top ten. Having repeatedly mentioned that this is a revolutionary car and completely controlled differently from the previous generation IRS model, now the athlete, judging by the first speed sections, sees that he could have been faster in them.

“We did not have a proper route either in Lithuania or during testing in Saudi Arabia, where the weight distribution of the new Hilux would be revealed. That knowledge of the car seemed to have happened and he was wrong. During the first four or five days of the Dakar, I discovered new things every day, and that could increase speed, ”admits Vanags.

Although it is too early to draw conclusions, the first few emotions can be extremely telling. You can see the complete interview of B. Vanags on the athlete’s YouTube channel.