Loeb and Lurquin Excel in Sixth Stage of W2RC, Climbs to Sixth Final

Sebastien Loeb and Fabian Lurquin, behind the wheel of their BRX Prodrive Hunter, secured the second-best time in the grueling 358km sixth stage from Ha’il to Riyadh, earning critical points in the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC).

This performance underscores Loeb’s unwavering focus and the BRX team’s tenacity, especially after a series of challenges earlier in the event.

The day was favorable for the Prodrive Hunters, with Guerlain Chicherit and Alex Winocq finishing fourth and Lithuanians Vaidotas Zala and Paulo Fiuza taking the fifth spot. Loeb’s rise to sixth final is a testament to his skill and the team’s relentless effort.

The stage posed serious challenges, with difficult dunes causing issues for several of Al Attiyah’s primary rivals. Nasser Al Attiyah, driving a Toyota, emerged victorious in the stage, extending his lead to 1 hour 6 mins 50 secs over his teammate Henk Lategan from South Africa.

Unfortunately, Stéphane Peterhansel, a 14-time winner, had to withdraw after 212km due to an accident, which led to his co-driver, Edouard Boulanger, being hospitalized for back injuries.

Carlos Sainz, Peterhansel’s teammate, also encountered problems at the same location, resulting in delays. Additionally, Saudi driver Yazeed Al Rajhi fell from third place when his Toyota stopped after 216 km.

The three top-five finishes for the BRX Prodrive Hunters highlighted the vehicle’s versatility and capability, reflected in Chicherit’s win in Morocco and Loeb’s victory in Andalucia. Despite numerous setbacks, including punctures, Loeb aims to continue accumulating W2RC points.

Loeb’s bid for a consecutive Dakar stage win was interrupted by a mishap on a dune that flipped his car. Nonetheless, the nine-time World Rally Champion and Stage 4 victor remains committed to gathering W2RC points in the 333km stage from Riyadh to Al Duwadimi. The BRX team is optimistic about securing more stage victories up to the final leg in Dammam on January 15th.