• Stephane Peterhansel won the stage from Cyril Despres, 2 nd (+1min47) and Sebastien Loeb 3 rd for just one second (+1min48).
• The Peugeot DKR Maxi opened the 157km road of today’s challenging stage, much slippery and muddy, with few flooded areas. All three Peugeot DKRs conquered the tricky conditions without any issues.
RACE REPORT
Once more, the Peugeots have dominated the action on day two of the Silk Way Rally, despite extreme conditions weather conditions and damaged terrains. The short stage to Ufa again featured narrow and technical roads with some navigational challenges as well. Team Peugeot Total has increased its margin over its nearest competitor, but the first really long competitive section starts tomorrow, with plenty to be gained or lost.
FACTS OF THE DAY
Type of terrain: muddy, slippery, flooded areas
Temperature max: 20°C / Min: 9°C
Maximum speed: 185km/h
QUOTE / UNQUOTE
Stéphane PETERHANSEL, Team Peugeot Total driver Winner of Silk Way Rally stage #2 / 1 st overall « In these conditions it was hard to keep control of the car. Wemade a few small mistakes with navigation but without serious consequences. I am glad with finish in the top. The rally has started well for us but it’s important to be careful as the hard part is still to come. Team Peugeot knows it. »
Cyril DESPRES, Team Peugeot Total Driver 2 nd of Silk Way Rally stage #2 / 3 rd overall « Tricky conditions for racing today, with mud and holes that were full of water. Everything is going well for now but the main thing is to come out of the first week with no major issue. In conditions like these, it’s easy to make a mistake. I feel good with the Peugeot DKR. I’m focused! »
Sébastien LOEB, Team Peugeot Total Driver 3 rd of Silk Way Rally stage #2 / 2 nd overall «This was a tricky day! Like yesterday we raced with plenty of mud and not much grip. It’s pretty much what I expected but given the fact that we were first on the road it wasn’t too bad for us. No problems so far. The team makes a good job. »
STAGE 3 TOMORROW Tomorrow
competitors will drive from Ufa to Kostanay for the "River Tobol in sight" leg. It totals 876.39 km with the special stage covering 329.25 km. This is a particularly fast stage with many directional changes, so co-drivers will once again need to know the road book inside out. This is the last special stage in Russia before crossing the border to Kazakhstan.
