After a week full of challenges, Tim and Tom Coronel are finally finding their stride during the marathon stage of the Dakar Rally. With a mix of speed, navigation, and strategic driving, the brothers showed what they are capable of. “A true marathon,” said Tim. “We’re glad we made it because this stage was not for the faint-hearted.”
The marathon stage of the Dakar Rally was spread out over the fourth and fifth stage. The brothers finished 29th during the first part on Wednesday. After a night in the marathon bivouac without the assistance of their team, the boys went even faster on Thursday. They completed the 428-kilometer special to Hail in a little over five hours’ time, which delivered them a strong 20th place in the classification.
Finding rhythm in the sand
The duo had prepared well for this demanding stage, where variety was the key. “Today was all about building speed, slowing down, and then doing it all over again,” Tim explains. “We faced sandy tracks, rocks, and everything in between. But we didn’t let ourselves get tempted to go too fast over the rocks, and that felt good. Navigation was tricky, but we managed it well. We only made one mistake, but we realized it quickly and corrected it.”
For Tom, smart driving was the focus. “During the last two days, we drove almost 900 kilometers with just one flat tire,” he says with a laugh. “The car didn’t miss a beat. Tim is getting a better feel for the car, which allowed us to pick up more speed. It’s nice that we’re able to prove that with such a nice result.”
Saved the best for last
The organizers didn’t make it easy for the competitors. “The best part was that we managed to recover quickly after a small navigation error”, Tom recounts. “We were misled, but we noticed right away that we were heading the wrong way so we turned around and still picked up the waypoint in no-time.” During the final kilometers, the course itself also proved to be a test: “As always, they saved the best for last. We drove through wadis and over rocks, as if they wanted to give the car one final beating. But everything held up, and that gives us confidence.”
Ups and downs
The marathon stage also brought the brothers closer together as a team. “The first week had its ups and downs,” Tim admits. “But we’re ending it on a high note. We’re getting in sync, and I feel like we’re really starting to hit our stride. This is what we’re here for.”
On Friday, Tim and Tom can enjoy a rest day, which is especially welcomed by Tim. “I don’t mind at all that tomorrow will be a rest day. We’ve been shaken up quite badly during the past week. But if we manage to keep this pace in the second week, we’re moving closer to where we really belong.”
Coronel Dakar Team is supported by: LKQ, MPM, Toolspecial, Optimal, ERU, Roordink Bedrijfswagens, Efulfilment.eu, Mascot Workwear, 4Brands, BS Forklifts, JBL, Keukenwarenhuis, DHG, Serengeti, Hella, Brondool, Chassis Parts, FEBO, MyFMS, Frits Dijk, Apple King, SuperB, P1, Copernica
