Dutchman Ton Van Genugten finished the 5th leg from Astana to Semey in 10th position on his IVECO Trakker, just ahead of Kazakh pilot Artur Ardavichus aboard his #310 Powerstar.
Team leader Gerard De Rooy, after a great departure on his completely renovated Powerstar, was forced to stop at the CP2 because of mechanical problems later resolved at the bivouacs.
Today Team PETRONAS De Rooy IVECO will be engaged in the sixth leg from Semey to Urdzhar
The 7th edition of the Silk Way Rally is underway. The participants started early yesterday morning in Astana, capital of Kazakhstan capital, and headed for the city of Semey. The route – more than 870 km long – included 329.25 km across the amazing landscapes of the Kazak steppe.
In spite of a very good start, Gerard De Rooy, co-driver Moi Torrallardona and the experienced Polish mechanic Rodewald, were forced to stop the truck before the finish line, exactly at the CP2. "We started this morning well motivated – said De Rooy – but unfortunately, after about 100 km, we decided to stop at CP2 because of a mechanical problem."
It was not an easy day for IVECO: Ton Van Genugten, behind the wheel of his #306 Trakker Evolution, finished the stage in 10th position, 51m42s behind the first. After stage 5, the driver is 10th also in the partial general classification.
Artur Ardavichus and Belgian co-pilot Bruynkens drove the #310 Powerstar avoiding to take risks and closed the day just behind teammate Van Genugten: for the Kazakh pilot the result of this 5th leg confirmed his 5th position in the truck overall classification of the Silk Way Rally.
Today the Silk Way Rally will start from Semey and take the competitors to Urdzhar ("On the way to Turksib"). This special, run on fast terrain made up of 60% of soil and 40% of gravel, has many changes of direction, so co-pilots will need to follow their directions carefully.
Total distance: 597.13 km; SS distance 387.86 km.
Stage 5 results – Silk Way Rally 2017
1. Dmitry Sotnikov (Kamaz) 4h32m17s
2. Anton Shibalov (Kamaz) +4m03s
3. Eduard Nikolaev (Kamaz) +9m47s
4. Siarhei Viazovich (Maz) +16m10s
5. Airat Maardev (Kamaz) +26m20s
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10. Ton Van Genugten (IVECO) +51m42s
11. Artur Ardavichus (IVECO) +1h03m38s
16. Gerard De Rooy (IVECO) +107h57m43s (penalty 112h30m00s)
Overall classification – Silk Way Rally 2017
1. Dmitry Sotnikov (Kamaz) 15h25m26s
2. Anton Shibalov (Kamaz) +0m48s
3. Martin Kolomy (Tatra) +15m27s
4. Airat Mardeev (Kamaz) +23m23s
5. Artur Ardavichus (IVECO) +56m03s
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10. Ton Van Genugten (IVECO) +4h11m52s
16. Gerard De Rooy (IVECO) +107h46m39s
Starting order for SS6 – 13rd July
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08.57 Dmitry Sotnikov (Kamaz)
08.59 Anton Shibalov (Kamaz)
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09.17 Gerard de Rooy (IVECO)
09.39 Ton Van Genugten (IVECO)
09.40 Artur Ardavichus (IVECO)
