Dakar D3: It's over for Danilo Petrucci!

After a good start to the Dakar Rally, Danilo Petrucci had to face this Monday a connection of 230 km and an special of 338 km between Ha'il and Al Qaisumah, with the first real cordons of dunes of the rally.

The program included the first marathon bivouac (no assistance in the evening, apart from that between drivers registered in the race) but the latter was canceled due toheavy rain and thunderstorms. 

Everything was looking good for the Italian rookie, at least until km 115 where, around 9:10 a.m., Danilo Petrucci suffered from a mechanical problem and was unable to restart his KTM. The Tech3 pilot immediately realized the seriousness of the problem.

Around 9:40 a.m., the Italian, double winner in MotoGP, had to make up his mind for the worst and asked to be evacuated... Clearly, these last few days have been full of twists and turns for the Tech3 rider!

 

 

The final ranking has not yet been published so we do not yet know if the Tech3 driver will retire definitively or simply suffer a significant penalty...

 

 

Joan Barreda (Honda) reached the finish of today's special with the best time, 5'33'' ahead Sam Sunderland (GasGas). Kevin Benavidez (KTM) secures third place with the status of best KTM representative. Three brands on the podium, even four with fourth place in Skyler howes (Husqvarna)! Adrien van beveren (Yamaha) finished 8th.