The rest day at the Dakar Rally is anything but restful for Tim and Tom Coronel and their team. While the mechanics completely dismantle the Century CR7 T1+ for a thorough overhaul, the brothers are busy with promotional activities and preparing for the second half of the rally. « They call it a rest day, » Tom laughs. « Well, it’s not a rest day at all. Not for the mechanics, because they’re taking the entire car apart. »
The list of work is impressive. « New drive shafts, all uniballs are being replaced, the gearbox has been overhauled and removed, new clutch is going in, shock absorbers all need to come out and be serviced, new alternator, » Tim lists. « Engine oil, gearbox oil, differential oil… well, it’s really much more work than most people think. »
Starting at eight o’clock
The mechanics started this morning at eight o’clock. « It’s crazy to see all the parts laid out like this, » Tim explains from the bivouac. « All the dampers, floor panels, the entire gearbox, clutch… the car is definitely wide open. The differentials and axles are also being completely checked and overhauled. Everyone is busy making sure everything is perfect again for tomorrow’s stage. »
Tim stayed at the bivouac to help and support the mechanics. « Here the drive shafts are being completely overhauled. The guys are hard at work, » he says. « The CV joints, the boots, everything is being cleaned up. All the grease goes back in and then everything gets reassembled. » With a laugh: « Sometimes the grease ends up on you instead of the parts. Sorry, but we have a dirty and happy Tim Coronel! »
Creating content and lunch at Yazeed’s
While Tim stayed with the team, Tom was busy with promotional activities. « We started early with all the promotion for our partners, to create videos and content, which is of course very important. »
Then followed a special outing: Tom was invited, as in previous years, by Yazeed Al Rajhi, last year’s Dakar winner. « Yazeed lives here in Riyadh and then we have a big lunch. It’s over the top, » Tom says enthusiastically. « I felt like a king or a prince, I don’t know what to call it, but the appetizers, the food, how we’re received there with all the treats. Amazing. »
The tour of Yazeed’s estate is equally impressive. « It’s not a house, it’s an estate with several garages. His championship car from last year is also there, the Toyota Hilux. That’s really next level. »
Journalist and guest at once
Tom did double duty during the lunch. « At the same time I also played journalist for a bit, because RTL7 still needed to speak with Yazeed. I took care of that for them, » he explains. « And of course I enjoyed those delicious appetizers and food. Big dinner tables, I think we were about 60 to 80 people. That’s always a great event. »
During the event, Tom also spoke with the Dakar’s route planner. « Trying to fish out what’s still on the program. There are still a lot of beautiful sections coming, » says Tom. « That second week is going to be good. Tim and I are ready for it, because we’ve got a good rhythm going. »
Ready for week two
At the bivouac, Tim makes sure the team can also relax. « I try to provide the guys with some fun things too. Everything’s okay here, » he says. « Look, the dartboard is already up! »
The second week of the Dakar Rally still has plenty in store. From Riyadh, the rally heads south back to Yanbu, with another marathon stage along the way. The stages vary from fast sandy tracks to rocky passages and technical canyons, with extensive dune sections and treacherous riverbeds as highlights. Navigation becomes crucial with numerous intersections and junctions that can turn the route into a maze. Tim, Tom and the team are ready for the second week and hope to carry the momentum of recent days to the finish on January 17.