Jan 4th, 2012 Dakar Rally Stage 4 Race Info & Discussion

Join in and discuss all the action from Stage 4 of the 2012 Dakar Rally. Robby Gordon finished 5th in stage 3 & Nasser Al Attiyah finished 3rd. Al Attiyah begins this stage at 10:33am/et & Gordon starts his at 10:39am/et. Raceday chat will be available throughout the entire 2012 Dakar Rally. Raceday chat now works on the Ipad & Iphone.

STAGE 4 TRACKING

STAGE 4: San Juan > Chilecito

Connection 424km | Special Stage 326 | Total 750km

COURSE OVERVIEW

The most experienced drivers will be able to enjoy counting the dried-up rivers that they will cross during the day. They will also have time to admire the spectacular canyons of the Province of Rioja, but it is in their best interest to remain extremely vigilant. Nobody will be able to keep up a steady pace during the special stage. Whether it be the navigational subtleties at the end of the route or the small hurdles to overcome, there will be many occasions to lose time here. It is likely that once the rally has reached Chilecito, one or two of the competitors will have already been eliminated from the battle for the title.

STAGE BY STAGE RESULTS

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by MerlotMax on January 4, 2012 at 4:05pm

Thanks Alan

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Permalink Reply by Ben Cartwright on January 4, 2012 at 3:58pm

today was just a bad day obviously, even though RGM is far from out of it they can't afford to lose any more time. Every second counts and you can't bank on others having problems.

If Nasser keeps getting in trouble it may be time for Robby to think about himself instead of bailing him out of trouble, Robby could be the overall leader by now. It's a team sport but Robby's gotta worry about himself now.

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Permalink Reply by bighead on January 4, 2012 at 4:05pm

Robby has only lost about 2 minutes assisting Nassar. Nassar's issues with the Hummer is not why Robby is down in time.

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Permalink Reply by Michael Martinez on January 4, 2012 at 4:12pm

True about Robby Gordon stopping and to be honest there is no fault at being a great teammate ever. Things always come back on you or to you. I can't think of a better person i'd like to have at the other end of my rope. Gas On, Press On and Right On !

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Permalink Reply by Blues on January 4, 2012 at 4:10pm

Just had some flats so far. No panic, plenty of time to go...

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Permalink Reply by Team Maranello on January 4, 2012 at 4:50pm

@Ben, yes Robby could leave Nasser in the mud, but he did not because it is a stratigic decision more than a friendly one. It he left him stuck, the start time gaps would be too large between the 2 team mates tomorrow. Robby would start 1st and Nasser would be the carry the parts. With the odd chane that Robby has as issue, he would have to wait for Nasser for help. The longer he waits due to larger start time gaps during the start, the more time Robby loses to the leaders. To avoid that, both the Hummer make sure that they are close in start times to aid each other an not lose too much to the leaders.

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Permalink Reply by Ben Jeffreys on January 4, 2012 at 5:04pm

Not only that, but Qatar has invested in RGM. Robby has also stated he would like to use this as a catalyst for Speed Energy entering Qatar (although I think some brand customisation would be needed) - so there's surely a business ethos to Robby's actions. There's a lot of equity in Nasser as a driver and brand so understandably Robby is doing everything to keep him onside.

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Permalink Reply by Duck 660 on January 4, 2012 at 5:43pm

Superb analysis. Racing is about $$$. .. The Qutari's have lots of it! They don't like to loose and if you put a winning vehicle in their hands, you can be handsomely rewarded. Great call by RG the busnessman.

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Permalink Reply by joseph on January 4, 2012 at 4:28pm

everybody has to relax and have faith .this is the dakar, every team will have problems will get stuck will have flats will !! not maybe in 09 robby was as far back as 17th and at one point came from 9th to 3rd overall in 3 days. remember when he rolled the car got back in gas down and buckling up when driving going over jumps . this is DAKAR baby. loving it all . gas on mother trucker

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Permalink Reply by El Jardo on January 4, 2012 at 5:34pm

I agree. This year has a good feeling to it. Many people have tried and failed to win the DAKAR. Winning every stage is a fantasy not reality. Keep the hummers on the road and running and I think this year is going to play out very nice. Keep up the good work!!

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Permalink Reply by WJM on January 4, 2012 at 5:51pm

From SPEED Energy Facebook:
With a slight navigational error, broken alternator, flat tire and pulling his teammate Nasser Al-Attiyah out of the mud today, Robby Gordon is still very confident in his car to stay within reach. He now sits in 5th place overall, 16 mins and 23 secs back.

(Mike Kenyon is going to put his fist through the screen)

Good thing 303 was the water carrier today because he was carrying the spares

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Permalink Reply by Mike Kenyon on January 4, 2012 at 5:59pm

I was thinking this morning when I first signed on (5:35ish pst) how mud really ruined the start of previous DAKAR's and how competitive they've been with out. Now I find out it was a slop day.

Damn, where's my stators