Ruddy hooligans! Still it's all in a day's work for those crazy chaps from the Repsol Ralliart team who have extended their lead in the Dakar Series----Central Europe Rally which was created when they had to abandon the original Dakar Rally earlier this year. Anyroadup Biglorryblog learns that as of April 22 Stéphane Peterhansel and his co-driver Jean-Paul Cottret (you can guess where they come from) came through the punishing conditions of the third day to strengthen their lead at the top of the provisional standings with their Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Evolution MPR13.
However, Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart's day was marred by a freak accident which led to the early retirement of team members Hiroshi Masuoka and Pascal Maimon (Japan/France). Apparently, while the crew was changing a tyre on the morning's stage, a rival competitor ran over the French co-driver's left foot. X-rays later revealed a fractured ankle bone and he was forced to withdraw....one wonders what he said to the 'rival competitor'. "That's alright old boy, couldn't helped, accidents will happen, golly but that smarts, I don't suppose you've got an ankle brace with you by any chance old chap? No? Ah well I'll just have to hop for a while....no, no, don't worry, it's perfectly alright honestly." Or perhaps not....
Anyway click through here to see another picture of the Mitsubishi rally special...and BLB wishes Pascal "Bon Chance" and le recovery rapide...
And now with a bit less mud.....and for a pie, what do you think the Frenchman said? Marks for the worst pun.