Wednesday, January 11 2012
The 33rd Dakar is in its final stages, with only 4000km until the finish line in Lima. Red Bull Yamaha TMN’s Helder Rodrigues has thus far managed to hold third position on his WR450F motorcycle, with a 20 minute advantage over fellow Yamaha rider David Casteu in fourth place. Rodrigues has achieved 15th, 12th, 4th, 4th, 14th and 4th places in the eight stages so far.
Helder Rodrigues: “It’s a difficult Dakar. I’m feeling a bit tired, but everybody is in the same situation. I’m still here and I’ve not suffered. I’m on top form and I can go on the attack when I want, and that’s what I’m going to do. I want to go head to head with the leading two. I’m third in the general standings, which is great.”
Jonah Street had to withdraw during the second stage of the rally due to an unfortunate technical problem, but Rodrigues, Casteu and Pain remain in the race- ensuring Yamaha’s continued presence in the top 10.
David Casteau: “It’s still going well for me. I am well established in the race and hopefully to earn a good overall finish. More importantly I’m catching up to the podium positions behind Marc, Cyril and Hélder and I love it! Thank you to Yamaha, José (Leloir), my team, my partners and all my fans … I’m a happy man!”
In the Quad category, Yamaha has dominated- winning all eight stages run. The Patronelli brothers have, between them, clinched the top spot on three occasions. However, Marcos Patronelli has admitted that their focus is not upon winning, but on completing each stage to the best of their ability and taking each day as it comes.
Finally, to the sole female rider in the Quad division, Camelia Liparoti, who holds an exceedingly impressive tenth overall place as she takes on her second Dakar rally aboard her YFM700R.
