Stage 11
Arica - Arequipa
Connection : 171 Km
Special stage : 528 Km

Marc COMA lets nothing go, Stéphane PETERHANSEL escapes
The difficult stage between Arica and Arequipa culminated for the riders with a special bivouac without assistance – rebuilding links with this tradition in the Dakar that had not occurred since 2007. Juan PEDRERO will not have experienced it. The 2012 Edition ended in Chile for the Spanish rider who was confronted with mechanical problems. Marc COMA, who started in pole position, finished in 3rd place in this stage and gave back a little time to his opponent. But he knows that to start in 3rd position in this 12th stage, already announced, would be in his best interests. In the cars, Stéphane PETERHANSEL, once again made progress towards his 10th victory, by winning his 25th stage in a Dakar. In the general, he now has 22 minutes and 49 seconds’ advanta ge on the second position…

Stage 12
Arequipa - Nasca
Connection : 259 km
Spécial stage : 246 km

Nice work by COMA
The Dakar always has its fair share of twists and turns: nothing is certain right up to the last day. Saturday evening, Marc COMA was over 7 minutes behind the leader, Monday evening, here he is in the lead with over 1 minute and 26, after the decision about the direction in the race. He took this long 500 km special in his stride, without any hitches, contrary to his rival and several other riders who fell into a bog. The Spaniard arrived in Antofagasta with over 17 minutes lead and a theoretical 9 minute lead in the général to his advantage. But the riders who were victims of the bog, were “credited” with their lost time and Marc COMA has to make do with a one minute lead. The suspense is stronger than ever. “ I was lucky not to waste too much time in the muddy section. Then, I saw that I had an opportunity to gain on the lead, so I really went for it. But in the last section, I felt that I was beginning to have problems with my engine, so I calmed things down a bit, to ensure that I got to the end. It is my 20th win in the special, so it’s a good number! But what counts is not winning the specials, it’s winning the race. And I know that there is a long week of races to get there.” Commented Marc COMA. Juan PEDRERO managed a good race, but opted to change his engine therefore had to take the rap of a penalty.

Another fact that will spice up the end of this rally. In the cars, Stéphane PETERHANSEL contents himself with 4th place in the stage, due to a puncture, but keeps his lead in the général.

Ranking Stage 12				Overall after Stage 12
Bikes				Bikes
2. Marc COMA	2:24:38			1. Marc COMA	39:38:16
Cars				Cars
7. Stéphane PETERHANSEL	2:40:59			1. Stéphane PETERHANSEL	35:19:04