The Dakar Argentina Chile 2011 is already underway for the members of the Guardia Civil Rallye Raid team. After the odyssey suffered on the opening day, the mechanical problems of the vehicle have been solved and they have been able to successfully complete the first stage of official competition. A fast stage, in which they invested just over three hours to cover the 222 kilometers of timed section.
The mechanics of the Guardia Civil Rallye Raid team worked throughout the night to solve the problems of the Terrano Proto. The car's gearbox had to be completely replaced, work that concluded in the early hours of Sunday. However, the sensations of José Manuel Salinero and José Manuel Galán were not too good and they continued to hear strange noises inside the car.
Thus, the gearbox has not been the only part of the car that has had to be replaced. The mechanics have had to work hard to change the car's differential and leave it practically as new.
Despite the difficulties, they were able to complete the almost 600 kilometers of liaison, reaching the starting line with just enough time to begin the adventure in the Dakar. The members of the Guardia Civil Rallye Raid team were recovering the good sensations with the passage of kilometers and successfully completed the first official stage of the Dakar Argentina Chile 2011.
59th place
José Manuel Salinero and José Manuel Galán, the team with bib number 394, completed the stage in 59th place, with a time of 3:09:16. They lost just over 50 minutes with respect to Carlos Sainz, first leader of the Dakar Argentina Chile 2011. During the timed section, the members of the Guardia Civil Rallye Raid team had to endure an intense storm that muddied the tracks along which the race ran.
The members of the Guardia Civil Rallye Raid team face the second stage this Monday, which will run between the cities of Córdoba and San Miguel de Tucumán. Ahead, 324 timed kilometers and 440 kilometers of liaison. It is a route with wide, fast tracks dotted with hidden jumps, which if not spotted could cause many problems for the mechanics of the vehicles.
José Manuel Galán and José Manuel Salinero will take the start after twelve noon this Monday. Galán commented that it is "a fast stage and in which we hope not to have mechanical problems again." "The understanding between all the members of the team is being perfect and so far, despite the difficulties, we are enjoying the race," added the co-driver from Conejero.
