The JalanMarronesFenek team successfully completed the previous stages, including one of the two marathon stages featured in this year’s Dakar. If they manage to overcome the remaining challenges, they’ll be one step closer to becoming official Finishers.
A marathon stage is run without any assistance vehicles or team members. Competitors are the only ones allowed to work on their vehicles, although mutual help between participants still in the race is permitted.
JalanMarronesFenek Truck
Eighth Stage
Stage 8 marked the second part of the marathon stage, where no external assistance of any kind was allowed, and our team was running with one piston down.
JalanMarronesFenek once again demonstrated their consistency, overcoming the eighth challenge set by the Saudi race. On a fast and rocky terrain, the stage covered 375 km of special and 334 km of liaison from Sakaka to Neom.
Javier Jacoste: “We tried to forget about the problem; it’s something we have to live with, and there’s nothing more we can do. Still, I’m carefully managing every movement at the wheel to preserve the mechanics as much as possible.”
“It was a beautiful stage, and we followed the route without major issues. In the final section, at night and in the dunes, we probably took a bit longer than expected. But we’re happy to have completed such a tough day,” commented Jordi Celma.
The ninth stage promises to be one of the most difficult of the 2021 Dakar edition. The start will take place on the shores of the Red Sea, and the challenges will become increasingly demanding.
JalanMarronesFenek Truck
Ninth Stage
There’s no calm day without a touch of epic for the JalanMarronesFenek team. After overcoming the marathon stage with their MAN engine running with one damaged piston—forcing them to compete with one cylinder less—our team faced the ninth special of the Dakar Rally with a gearbox failure in their truck.
It wasn’t an easy task, as the ninth timed stage of the Saudi event was considered one of the most demanding of the edition.
Javier Jacoste: “We had a gearbox problem at the beginning of the stage. We were stopped for several hours waiting for assistance so we could continue. It’s been a very tough day, and it looks like it’s going to be a long one.”
After battling through Stage 9, the crew of the MAN No. 524 prepared themselves for the final days of the 2021 Dakar edition.
Time to rest!
JalanMarronesFenek Truck
