As stage five of the 2010 Dakar collided head on with the unforgiving sands of the Atacama Desert, it was Red Bull riders who took first position in three categories.
First up local hero Chaleco Lopez crossed the line first in the bike class to record victory in his home country. Chaleco is the darling of Chilean motorsport and he didn’t disappoint his fans as he rode faultlessly on a very tricky stage.
“I’m very grateful to the people of Antofagasta for the welcome they gave me today," he said. "It was incredible to see so many people on the course and in the streets.”
A steady ride from Cyril Despres saw him finish second on stage five and the Frenchman extended his overall lead. Cyril was also pleased to see his support rider Rubin Faria put his problems on stage four behind him to finish fourth in Antofagasta.
Helder Rodrigues’ Yahama came in sixth despite the Portuguese rider having problems with his gas tank. Helder’s performance on the stage keeps him in a podium position.
It was not such a good day however for the winner of stage four as Marc Coma crossed the line in 16th place. It would take a brave man to say it, but it looks as though Marc’s return to the top spots could be over just as soon as it began.
“This really isn’t my year," Coma admitted. "I have to try and stay positive though and make the most of the rally.”
Over in the car class, the top three places on the stage were all filled by Red Bull Volkswagen Touaregs. Mark Miller had no fishing-related distractions in the desert as he took first place. Behind him came Nasser Al-Attiyah and Carlos Sainz.
While Carlos’ result puts him in the overall lead, it is the performances of Nasser which have got race fans in a frenzy. I caught up with the speed merchant from Qatar to see what he makes of contesting the Dakar crown.
“I really have a good feeling," he said. "Today was really a long, long stage and it was difficult for the tyres and the car but I’m happy we finished without any problems. We had the flat tyre again today, but we have managed to put ourselves second overall. We are planning to be at the front before the rest day.”
The trick of the Dakar is of course knowing when to floor the car and when to hold back. This is something that seems to come instinctively to Nasser.
“I have a lot of experience" Al-Attiyah said. "I know when I can push but I also know it will damage the car so that is really the tactics behind my Dakar. If you finish every day without problems then you can win.”
So if you're holding back Nasser then why two punctures in two days?
“The punctures come because we cannot see in front," he explained. "Suddenly we hit some rocks and we get punctures. When everything is clear there are no problems. Tomorrow we start third so if we can launch well and take the second car early it would be good."
So, with the cars and the bikes coming good it only remained to be seen if the Kamaz Trucks could make it a triple crown for Red Bull on stage five. Of course they did not disappoint.
I caught up with the Kamaz team spokesman, Evgeny Skrylev, in the bivouac with all three trucks safely home and jamming up the top four spots in their class.
“When we maintain our good performances then the good results follow," Skrylev said. "So far we have had no major problems and we are looking forward to spending more time in the sand. We do not hope we win but know we must win, that is the philosophy of Team Kamaz.”
Red Bull riders in the spotlight
There is only one man the locals in Chile want to know about and that is Chaleco Lopez. The local lad took time out after his stage win to talk with us.
“It is such a good feeling to have my first Dakar victory in my country today," a delighted Lopez said. "The special stage was difficult and very dangerous so I was glad to come out on top. It was also nice to get my first stage win on my new Aprilia.”
Andre Chaco/Red Bull Photofiles
With all the support that turned out to cheer on their boy yesterday it is no wonder that Chaleco hopes the Dakar stays in South America.
“I think having the Dakar in South America is a very good thing," he said. "For sure it is a little different to Africa, but in Argentina and Chile we have speed and variety every day. To have the opportunity to win in my country is just perfect.”
A gem of a story is developing in the bike class as privately funded entrant Helder Rodrigues stayed third yesterday despite having mechanical problems.
“For me the stage was very difficult because it was a dangerous stage," Rodrigues admitted. "I also had one small problem with my bike when I broke the gas tank. That will be fixed by tommorow so it's okay. I’m still here fighting”
So how is the Portuguese rider dealing with seeing his grasp on a podium finish loosen slightly as a result of his gas tank trouble.
“It was possible that I could have done better today but the Dakar is like this," he said. "I’m happy to stay in third place. Today I had problems but it is not a disaster.”
Daily Dakar Daiquiri Moment: Time passes slowly out here in the desert
After putting up with the hubbub of the bivouac and the crowded viewing points along the course in the last few days, I decided I would try a little solitude. I ducked off the motorway and found the most peaceful place I could to watch the day’s motorsport unfold.
Deep in the heart of the Atacama with no town within hundreds of kilometres I still found myself with company. By pure chance I had stumbled upon the Campamento Uno del Carmen and found myself watching first the bikes and then the cars whizzing past in the company of half of the workforce at this remotest of outposts.
What Sergio Roja and Lorenzo del Carmen Moya do at their modestly equipped workshop is treat the rich fertiliser which is mined from behind the desert floor.
Sergio is the comparative lightwight of the workforce as the 55-year-old only spends 20 days per month in the middle of knowhere before returning home to Antofagasta for the remaining 10 or so days.
At the ripe old age of 81, Lorenzo has been living in the desert since 1954 and rarely makes a trip outside his workplace to witness the vestiages of civilisation. Lorenzo and his faithful dog Pirata have a perfect view of the Pan American highway in the distance, but seem more than happy where they are.
“The things I enjoy most are a nice cool breeze and a cold beer before going to bed," he revealed.
Well here’s to you Lorenzo, its good to know that you’re out there taking it easy for all us sinners.
For more info, visit the official Dakar Rally website, the Volkswagen Motorsport site or Twitter along with driver Mark Miller.
iPhone users can also follow all the Dakar action with Volkswagen Motorsport’s free Dakar Rally app.
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