Navigational Challenges and Redemption Quest: Gert Huzink's Dakar Rally Journey Continues

9.1.2024

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Gert Huzink secured the twentieth position in the truck category on Tuesday during the Dakar Rally's fourth stage. The Jongbloed Dakar Team driver experienced a somewhat underwhelming day, intending to narrow the gap in competition time. Currently trailing 2 hours, 20 minutes, and 14 seconds behind the classification leader, fellow countryman Janus van Kasteren, Huzink faces the challenge of making up ground with eight stages remaining.

Huzink expressed his frustration with the day, citing numerous navigation errors. He emphasized that such setbacks were not the reason they participated in the event, lamenting the series of navigational mishaps that hindered progress. Despite the truck's overall performance, the persistent errors proved detrimental to their standings.

The driver had already faced setbacks the previous day when a late start resulted in being stuck behind other participants for an extended period. Some competitors were reluctant to yield to his fast and dependable Renault C460 Hybrid.

The significance of having a fast and reliable Renault became apparent as Huzink highlighted the substantial improvements made in recent years. Previously, his truck lacked the competitiveness to contend at the forefront. However, extensive investments in developing a reliable vehicle paid off, making the frustration of Tuesday's stage more palpable.

During the 631-kilometer stage from Al Salamiya to Al-Hofuf, covering 299 kilometers of special, Huzink aimed to rectify previous issues. Unfortunately, he, along with co-drivers Rob Buursen and Martin Roesink, couldn't make amends, resulting in a time loss of 1 hour, 7 minutes, and 14 seconds to stage winner Van Kasteren.

Despite the setbacks, Huzink and his team have ample opportunities in the remaining eight stages to showcase their capabilities in the Dakar Rally. They hope for a turnaround, and perhaps Wednesday's fifth stage, spanning 645 kilometers from Al- Hofuf to Shubaytah, with a 118-kilometer special section, might be the day to reverse their fortunes. 

Results – Stage 4 – Al Salamiya – Al-Hofuf (299 km):
1. van Kasteren (NLD) Iveco 03:00:49
2. Mit. van den Brnk (NLD) Iveco +00:06:04
3. Loprais (CZE) Praga +00:08:32
4. Valtr (CZE) Tatra +00:11:06
5. Becx (NLD) Iveco +00:11:46
20. Huzink (NLD) Renault +01:07:14 

Overall 1. van Kasteren (NLD) Iveco 17:45:17
2. Loprais (CZE) Praga +00:05:17
3. Macik (CZE) Iveco +00:45:43
4. de Baar (NLD) Tatra +01:00:47
5. Valtr (CZE) Tatra +01:22:14 8.
Huzink (NLD) Renault +02:20:14 

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