The past few days for Tim and Tom Coronel were all about getting the final touches ready on the Century CR7, the scrutineering and the shakedown. With the start in sight, the men actually couldn’t wait to get back in the car and start driving. The mechanics worked hard to get everything ready for tomorrow’s prologue, Tim and Tom were eager to be allowed to start.
Yesterday, the inspections took place at the starting camp in Bisha. “That went nice and fast,” Tom told us. “We had to show our clothes and helmets, which were then checked for proper homologation and inspection numbers, and then we were already allowed to pass. So that didn’t disappoint at all.”
So did the shakedown, where the brothers did two runs. “That went very well, we had two small problems. One was a driveshaft cover leaking, so we had to have a look at that. And we got two alarms, from the turbo and the water pressure, but after adjusting a few settings that was fine again. We drove twice and both lost the mirrors among the trees, the CR7 is really wider than the old car. I also need to learn the tyre pressure from the car. We already had a lot of dust, as there had been a lot of driving, and therefore fesh fesh, but this car is really dust-proof. So we didn’t get any black faces.”
For Tim, the shakedown felt like they were never away from the Dakar Rally. “It was great to be in the seat again, that felt like we were here yesterday and now just driving on. How nice it was to drive again. The car goes a lot easier, the four-wheel drive really pulls you through the corners. We were right on it and I couldn’t go much faster. Once we drove on two wheels for a while, almost on the roof. Navigating went well and everything was under control. Everything adjusted just right in terms of dampers and suspension. We have to keep our heads up, then it will all work out.”
Tomorrow the prologue is scheduled and then the Dakar will actually start. “It’s 29 kilometres and we’ll really just go for it. Tom thinks we’ll be in the top 35, but I say top 25 should be possible. We do have some work this afternoon, the final touches. Like adjusting the windscreen wipers, putting levers on the doors and applying the last stickers. Perhaps the most work is still to change all the rims, we are not allowed to drive with these, so we are going to do that today.”
“I am very happy with this car. It feels like not one but ten steps forward. Tim has a good feeling about it and has a lot of fun. From our point of view it can just start, come on!”
Coronel Dakar Team is supported: LKQ, Era, Optimal, Mascot Workwear, MPM, Eru, JBL, 4Brands, Efulfilment, BS Forklifts, Toolspecial, FEBO, KeukenWarenhuis, Serengeti, Hella, DHG, FMS, Brondool, ChassisParts, Apple King, SuperB, P1, Copernica
