During the seventh stage, Tim and Tom Coronel had good speed. However, they unexpectedly had to ease off the gas halfway through the stage. There was some confusion among the brothers about whether there was enough fuel on board the Century CR7 T1+ and they chose to play it safe. « We thought in the middle of the stage: we’re not going to make it with the fuel, » Tom explains. In the end, there turned out to be plenty of fuel on board and they lost some time along the way. Tim and Tom recorded the 42nd time, 44 minutes behind the stage winner – there was more in it for them.
The stage from Riyadh to Wadi Ad Dawasir was characterized by a fast and challenging stage. « It was a very varied stage, » says Tim. « We started with wadis and beautiful plains, and then we had 40 kilometers of dunes. They weren’t intense and there was a nice flow to them, but they were quite hard. Then we got to drive through the Rocky Mountains again and across the plains with some very fast sections. »
Tom was also satisfied with the stage. « It all went smoothly, really. We had zero problems with the car. The navigation went smoothly and the car felt solid. It just went really well. »
Uncertainty about fuel
However, there was a catch. A problem emerged during refueling. « When we filled up the car, only 366 liters went in. That was a bit strange, because 466 liters should fit, » Tom explains.
During the stage, uncertainty arose. « The stage was so fast, that uses fuel. So we actually eased off the gas a bit, » Tom explains.
Plenty of fuel
Reality turned out different. « Eventually we took the cap off and checked with a dipstick from one of the MINIs how much fuel was in there. And there was still a good 120 liters in it, » says Tom. The calculations were wrong, which led to unnecessary caution. « So we eased off the gas a bit to make it. And from the finish of the stage we still had to drive a good 140 kilometers to the bivouac and we still have enough in the tank. So yeah, we were a bit too cautious. »
It was a good day, according to the brothers. « The car performed well, navigation went smoothly, everything went well, actually, » said Tim. « We lost a little time on the way because we had to slow down, but other than that, nothing crazy happened. We were stuck behind a Chinese driver for a while who wouldn’t move over, 
which is always annoying. But other than that, it was a great day. On to the next one! » As the fastest Dutch drivers of the day, they proved once again that they have good rhythm.
Longest stage tomorrow around Wadi Ad Dawasir
Tomorrow a loop around Wadi Ad Dawasir is on the program, with 481 kilometers the longest special of the year. A versatile stage that requires speed on off-road plateaus, navigation through canyons and control during sudden changes of direction.