Dakar team tactics

[nimrod]

I think that VW will attack tommorrow. Look for Sainz and all the VW boys except Miller to go out very hard and force the Mitso's to chase and try to force the Japanese into damaging their cars. Look for Millar to run fast but well within the limits of his vehicle. Robby will probably run like he did today and allow the multicar teams to try to destroy each other. VW's only chance is to force the Mitsubishi's to chase very hard and force something to happen. The carnage could be great and allow JLS and Robby to make some big moves.......I can't wait

[SPONSOR]

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[ONE_RJ]

Go Mark !!!! he is a class act and deserves to finish on the podium. VW should re-think there stratagy and let Mark drive his race. If anyone can pull it off for VW it would be Mark. He has the talent and has shown what a good team mate he is, now he deserves to get the same in return. Go Mark !!! we are pulling for ya.

[tractoR]

In 2005 Alphand crash and broke a couple days from the finish while he had secured a seriously comfortable gap to the 2nd, last year Peterhansel did just about the same. Granted it can happen to anybody driving at a racing speed but those guys are going to play it safe.

[JRaid]

Why the Mitsus should push hard tomorrow? They have over an hour lead to 3rd place.

[Chase 2]

In 2005 Alphand crash and broke a couple days from the finish while he had secured a seriously comfortable gap to the 2nd, last year Peterhansel did just about the same. Granted it can happen to anybody driving at a racing speed but those guys are going to play it safe.

VW & Mitsu are both well versed in team tactics. Protect your leader and let the others knock themselves out. There is no way anyone is going to make up that much time on the Mitsu's unless the Mitsu's all have some sort of mechanical problems or they all crash.

I think the only big difference in Marks driving will that he won’t be stopping to help. That alone will improve his time differential to the leaders. Still it ain't over until it's over.

[aquafreer]

Nim - good thread to start now team tactics are becoming increasingly important .... we probably will see team 'pairings' ( nothing new) running tight together , i.e. Mitsubishi -Peterhansel w/Alphand &Masuoka , VW-Miller w/Sousa in tow ,BMW- Al Ataya & Klienschmidt , this tactic will give protection to each teams top prospect(s) , stages 12 -15 will probably give advantage to Peterhansel and Miller being tighter , turnier , and firmer ground (WRC type tacks) .... Gordons best bet (IMHO) is to finnish in the top 10 ( awesome performance w/only 3 yrs experience , steep learning curve a win is possible in the next few years ! ) ,Schlesser has the most to loose in the next 2 stages , he is a wily vet , pushing just hard enough to stay in 3 rd pos. all the way to Dakar ... Miller is now VW'S top prospect , hope his rig holds up .... GO Mark !!!

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Team? RG has a Team, He has a 427 CI Chevy V-8 Teamed up to 4 37" Meats.

[kaw500]

Team? RG has a Team, He has a 427 CI Chevy V-8 Teamed up to 4 37" Meats.

Heck of a team! I wonder what the orders will be, charge for another stage win or pace it for a top 10 finish?

[nimrod]

Isn't it funny how Mark always helps and drives conservitively but ends up being so well placed??? Kinda seems like they mean to hold him back and let the other 2 go crazy and force the pace??? Anyways, he has got the only rabbit I'll be rooting for.Super stoked on Robby's great year, The Mil, and now Dakar. I'm pretty happy he won't be back for Laughlin........Much better to be busy in Dakar

[aquafreer]

Just checked to see where the Monster T4 #556 came in today , the DAKAR .com 'sat' tracking has it in NEMA , but they are not listed on the OA , stage or the withdrawl listings .... hope they are still in !! if not RG/AG will have another monkey wrench in the mix .... anybody have any info about this ?? thanks