Tunisia : Volkswagen Motorsport - Leg 4The Volkswagen works team had a day of highs and lows on the Tunisian Rally's fourth stage: Giniel de Villiers and Dirk von Zitzewitz in the Volkswagen Race Touareg 2 defended their second position in the overall standings on the 268
kilometre loop around the desert oasis El Borma. As yesterday's stage winners the South African-German duo were first to enter the stage, but were still able to match the pace of overall leader Stéphane Peterhansel (Mitsubishi).
Volkswagen works driver Carlos Sainz and co-driver Michel Périn walked away unharmed after rolling, but were unable to finish the stage. Sainz is still awaiting confirmation as to whether he can start the fifth stage over 298 kilometres to Ksar Ghilane.
Kris Nissen (Volkswagen Motorsport Director )
"Two positive points for Volkswagen Motorsport: Carlos Sainz and Michel Périn are uninjured following unlucky accident. The Race Touareg 2 once again proved just how safe and stable it is. Giniel de Villiers strengthened his grip on second place with a strong drive.”
#201 – Giniel de Villiers - 2nd position overall
"We followed the motorbike tracks at the beginning.
Afterwards there weren't any more tracks to follow and it was difficult being the lead car. When Stéphane Peterhansel caught us after 90 kilometres we decided to driver tactically and to follow him. Peterhansel was really pushing. We matched his pace and accompanied him to the stage finish. Because Peterhansel started behind us, we lost 2:21 minutes to him. The Race Touareg 2 ran perfectly again, all in all a difficult but interesting day.”
#203 – Carlos Sainz – retired
"We arrived on a high plateau, and didn't see a slope because of the blinding sun. I braked too late and we flew about ten metres, were stopped by a large, dense camel grass bush which pitched us into a series of rolls. Apart from a stiff neck I'm feeling just as good as my co-driver Michel Périn.”
Press Release Volkswagen Motorsport
