Stacey top of the league

On the second day of the Trans Orientale Rally, the special did not run without any problems. Due to the rainy weather, the drivers were faced with a lot of mud and fords to be crossed and even a collapsed bridge. The times of all the drivers who were still engaged in the trial at the moment that the bridge collapsed were neutralised. They had to start again from the third checkpoint. Gerard de Rooy, Firdaus Kabirov and Hans Stacey had already the completed the whole trial and for this reason the trial could not be declared invalid.  

In spite of a few minor problems, such as a flat tyre and the rear suspension needing adjustment, the Stacey Team had a successful day. They came in second today and this has placed them at the top of the leading overall standings. Since the trial was shortened, the leading overall standings were changed compared to those of earlier this afternoon. Today’s special has produced the following results:

1. Chagin                49”03
2. Stacey              49”17
3. Kabirov              51”47

Leading overall standings:

1. Stacey (MAN)   
2. Chagin (KAMAZ)
3. Kabirov (KAMAZ)

Tomorrow’s trial has been cancelled. The organisation intends to avoid any risks, which are escalating due to the extremely bad weather conditions, and has therefore decided not to count the trial in the leading overall standings.