Madrid: Qatar’s Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah and his French co-driver Mathieu Baumel set the fastest time in their Toyota Hilux to top Stage 1 (Dos Hermanas-Dos Hermanas) of Andalucia Rally on Thursday.
With Saudi Arabias Yazeed Al Rajhi moving into second place in another Toyota Hilux, Guerlain Chicherit, winner of the penultimate round in Morocco earlier this month in another Pro drive Hunter, finished the day in fourth position behind Loeb and Dutchman Eric Van Loon.
Loeb picked the No 1 starting position on the stage as he looked to extend his advantage over Al Attiyah. After collecting a one minute penalty on the opening leg for speeding in a neutralized zone, the Qatari began the days stage down in 11th place, behind a succession of slower cars on a route where overtaking is hazardous.
Nasser Al Attiyah is at the top of the overall standings of the World Desert Rally Championship before entering the Andalusia Rally in the last round, with a score of 144 points, 22 points ahead of French Sebastien Loeb, who is in second place, while Saudi Yazeed Al Rajhi is in third place with 100 points.
