Pain maintains overall lead throughout Dakar Rally Stage 5
Frenchman David Casteu has scored himself a win during stage five of the 2013 Dakar Rally, but was unable to overtake Olivier Pain who maintains the overall race lead aboard his Yamaha.
Olivier Pain has maintained his overall lead after stage five of the 2013 Dakar Rally.
Frenchman David Casteu has scored himself a win during stage five of the 2013 Dakar Rally, but was unable to overtake Olivier Pain who maintains the overall race lead aboard his Yamaha.
Pain took hold of the overall lead during stage four of the rally and never looked back, although the French rider is closely followed by Casteu who sits just 1’15” behind in second place overall.
Both Pain and Casteu were able to hold off Cyril Despres, defending Dakar Rally champion and brief overall leader, who had the chance to take advantage of his starting position to try and regain control of the rally, but the third French rider in the top three was unable to advance further than his current third place standing.
The title race looks to be a three man fight between Pain, Casteu and Despres after Joan Barreda was halted by fuel pump problems for a significant part of the fifth stage at 98-km point. For the moment, the 100 percent French trio are dominating the rally, with just six minutes separating the three riders.
A match between the teams is alive also, behind the two leading Yamaha are the KTMs ridden by Despres and his water carrier Ruben Faria who both are awaiting an opportunity to steal the top spots. Following closely is the two Husqvaranas ridden by Jordi Viladoms and Alessandro Botturi.
Australia’s contingent of racers remains strong with Rod Faggotter holding down 20th place, Ben Grabham in 27th and Warren Strange following closely with a 28th overall ranking. Fellow Aussie’s Todd Smith, Matt Fish and Simon Pavey sit in 50th, 56th and 79th placings respectively.
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