Saffers closer to Dakar glory

Henk Lategan and co-driver Brett Cummings (above) are one step closer to Dakar Rally glory after consolidating their lead with a commanding win on Stage eight in Saudi Arabia yesterday.

- Jaco van der Merwe

The Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa (TGRSA) crew completed the 487 kilometre timed section between Al Duwadimi and Riyadh in 4:51:54, beating team-mates and runners-up on the day Guy Botterill and Denis Murphy by 1:47. Of greater importance was the five hours and 20 minutes Lategan and Cummings put between themselves and closest rivals Yazeed Al Rajhi and Timo Gottschalk, who are in a similar South African-built Hilux T1+ in Overdrive Racing colours.