Jongbloed Dakar Team Triumphs in Dakar Rally Stage 1
6.1.2024
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The Jongbloed Dakar Team, led by driver Gert Huzink along with his dedicated cabin team, delivered a stellar performance in Stage 1 of the Dakar Rally, navigating Truck #615 through the challenging terrains from Alula to Al
Henakiyah. Gert Huzink secured an outstanding second-place finish, just 7 minutes and 3 seconds behind Janus van Kasteren, who is driving an Iveco.
The stage presented its own set of challenges as it was shortened due to an unfortunate accident on the track. Despite this, Gert Huzink expressed his satisfaction, stating, "Unfortunately, the test was shortened, but despite that, we got a great result." The team had to contend with overtaking numerous cars in the initial stages, battling through dust and challenging conditions. Huzink reminisced, "After that, we got to the back of the first trucks and were able to pass quite quickly. Our old buddy Pascal de Baar was also there.”
The performance of the Renault C460 Hybrid left Huzink more than satisfied. "Without pushing too much, we got into a nice rhythm and could hold on until the break. There we heard we were second. From there it was only 60 kilometers to the early finish at kilometer 281.”
This first stage allowed Huzink and his team to truly compete with their rivals after the short prologue, marking a significant milestone in their Dakar Rally journey. Huzink received confirmation that Truck #615 is in excellent shape, providing confidence for the upcoming challenges. "We expected that the speed was good and that we could go with the others. That doesn't take away the fact that it was only the first test. Tomorrow there is also a long, heavy test planned. I'm assuming we will have a little less dust than the first two days. In any case, we are full of confidence.”
The truck is performing exceptionally well, and the team is looking forward to the next stage. Mario Kress, the constructor of the hybrid truck, is pleased with the results but remains focused on the next eleven stages.
The upcoming Stage 2, from Al Henakiyah to Al Duwadimi, spans 463 km special and 655 km total. After the tough and technical terrain of the first stage, Stage 2 presents the first long day’s rallying. It includes fast stretches of racing, allowing the riders to test the pace of their machines. However, the day is punctuated with a challenging 30 km of dune bashing. As the day’s action concludes, they will pass by the palace built by the founder of Saudi Arabia, Ibn Saud, adding a historical touch to the rally.
Results – Stage 1 - Alula – Al Henakiyah (414 km):
1. van Kasteren (NLD) Iveco 04:55:25
2. Huzink (NLD) Renault +07:03
3. Valtr (CZE) Tatra +11:32
4. Loprais (CZE) Praga +12:49
5. Paskevicius (LTU) Tatra +14: 02
