Jan 3rd, 2012 Dakar Rally Stage 3 Race Info & Discussion

Join in and discuss all the action from Stage 3 of the 2012 Dakar Rally. Robby Gordon finished 3rd during stage 2 & Nasser Al Attiyah won the stage. Al Attiyah begins this stage at 10:18am/et & Gordon starts his at 10:24am/et. Raceday chat will be available throughout the entire 2012 Dakar Rally. Raceday chat now works on the Ipad & Iphone.

STAGE 3 TRACKING

STAGE 3: San Rafael > San Juan

Connection 291km | Special Stage 208 | Total 499km

COURSE OVERVIEW

The Andes Cordillera, ever-present throughout the 2012 Dakar, is very demanding for the drivers. The crossing of rivers and the many holes and stones that the drivers will have to avoid during the day's special stage, will make the terrain particularly gruelling. The sturdiness of the engines will be put to the test if the drivers do not remain attentive. But the altitude and the reliefs provide both magnificent landscapes, with every shade of red possible, and small acrobatic challenges, such as a steep climb that the motorcyclists will definitely have to finish in first gear.

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Permalink Reply by Carl Abrams on January 3, 2012 at 11:45am

8th and 10th at CP1.
Lets hope it does not get worse when they get up in altitude.

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Permalink Reply by Bonzai on January 3, 2012 at 11:51am

I think it's not the altitude, the problem is they are in 2WD.

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Permalink Reply by Mark Allen on January 3, 2012 at 11:52am

They already crossed the highest peak before WP1, there's another big climb but not as high before CP2 and then lots of downhill.

The route the bikes and quads are taking (+62 km) has a higher final peak at the end but not the cars.

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Permalink Reply by Carl Abrams on January 3, 2012 at 11:59am

Both lost another minute at WP 2.

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Permalink Reply by AZBadseed on January 3, 2012 at 12:11pm

they'll be getting some power back as they drop in elevation!! Smooth and steady boys!

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Permalink Reply by WJM on January 3, 2012 at 12:24pm

American Quinn Cody, assisted after a fall by Juan Pedrero, soon met up with one of the medical helicopters, whose team diagnosed a suspected fracture of the collar bone and head injury. His condition is not alarming, but nevertheless he has had to withdraw.

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Permalink Reply by Toy529 on January 3, 2012 at 12:26pm

That sucks

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Permalink Reply by Carl Abrams on January 3, 2012 at 12:26pm

Nasser got back 1:10 or so at WP3.

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Permalink Reply by Rob Hoban on January 3, 2012 at 12:26pm

Nasser made up more than a minute between CP2 and CP3. Look out!

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Permalink Reply by Carl Abrams on January 3, 2012 at 12:28pm

Actually looks like Peterhead lost it.

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Permalink Reply by Brad Pierce on January 3, 2012 at 12:29pm

tracker shows 303 at CP3, but no time yet

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Permalink Reply by Brad Pierce on January 3, 2012 at 12:36pm

Pos. N° Name Make Time Variation Penalty
1 305 ROMA (ESP), PÉRIN (FRA) MINI 001:52:28 00:00:00
2 304 HOLOWCZYC (POL), FORTIN (BEL) MINI 001:52:41 00:00:13 00:00:00
3 303 GORDON (USA), CAMPBELL (USA) HUMMER 001:54:00 00:01:32 00:00:00
4 302 PETERHANSEL (FRA), COTTRET (FRA) MINI 001:55:08 00:02:40 00:00:00
5 300 AL-ATTIYAH (QAT), CRUZ (ESP) Hummer 001:55:54 00:03:26 00:00:00