The fifth stage of the Dakar: familiarize yourself with its characteristics and Lithuanian departure times

Patience is a virtue, in whose words the organizers begin to speak of the fifth speed section. It is true, without saying much, they changed the routes of the fifth and sixth gear stages just before the start. So from Riyadh, the corridors will not lead to Buraida, but to Al Qaisumah, further east, on the border between Kuwait and Iraq.

This long and difficult stretch of speed will be a test of the strength of the crews’ nerves, and if they don’t, technique may not hold up. The average speed here will be reduced even by several difficult sections: the complex dune sector in the middle of the section and in some places the route “contaminated” with stones.

The phrase “hurry slowly” will take on a different meaning here, as not following it can at least mean flat tires. Therefore, it may be necessary to stop and adjust the air pressure in the tires when purchasing insurance.

Rally leader D. Castera does not hide that this is one of the two very difficult tracks that remain until the rest day. January 7-8. It will be special, so now it is important not only to be fast, but also not to get into trouble.

So it seems that the non-record mileage, 661km per day, will definitely stretch for many. Due to the many rocky surfaces, racers will not be able to drive fast, they will need to store wheels and suspensions.

Organizers described the route as a percentage of coverage as follows: 53 percent. soil, 25 percent. sand, 20 percent. dunes and 1 percent each. stones and salty soil.

When will the Lithuanians start in the time of our country?

• Arūnas Gelažninkas – 7 pm
• Laisvydas Kancius – 7 pm 22 min. 30 seconds.
• Benedict Vanagas / Filipe Palmeiro – 8 pm 47 min.
• Edvinas Juškauskas / Aisvydas Paliukėnas – 8 am. 55 min.
• Antanas Juknevičius / Darius Vaičiulis – 8 a. M. 57 min.
• Gintas Petrus / Jose Marques – 9 pm 2 minutes. 30 seconds.