Sprinting to Success: Gert Huzink's Thrilling Pursuit in the Eighth Stage of Dakar Rally

15.1.2024

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Ha’il, January 15, 2024- In a thrilling sprint during the final phase of the eighth stage at the Dakar Rally, Gert Huzink showcased the impressive speed of the Renault C40 Hybrid on Monday. Falling just eighteen seconds short of the fifth position, Huzink's performance was commendable and left him in high spirits as he prepared for the next stage.

Starting sixth on Tuesday is a strategic advantage that Huzink recognizes well. In the Saudi bivouac of Hail, he expressed his ambitious goal of securing another day's victory. Starting in the front is crucial, as Huzink explained, "Our goal is to take another day's victory. That's difficult if you have to start at the back. Then the track is too ruined to keep up with the fastest. So things should be better tomorrow."

Reflecting on the challenges faced on Monday, Huzink acknowledged starting a bit cautiously, resulting in a time deficit in the sandy areas. However, he navigated the dunes skillfully, describing the track as beautiful and technical, with strategic choices to make. Despite being disappointed with the initial time gap, Huzink, along with navigator Rob Buursen and mechanic Martin Roesink, executed a remarkable comeback in the final kilometers, securing the sixth position.

While the elusive fifth place didn't materialize, the team's focus is now on starting the next stage in good spirits and maintaining the momentum of their impressive performance. Huzink concluded, "We are starting again in good spirits!" 

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