Despite some problems in the second part of the long stage, Ten Brinke managed to bring the Toyota Hilux home in fifth place. The engine of the Hilux turned off once and Ten Brinke had to check on a sensor. The second small problem was an electrical issue that could be fixed by simply turning off the airconditioning. Thus Ten Brinke and co-pilot Perin had to suffer in the heat for the last 100 kilometres.

Peter van Merksteijn is closing in on an top ten finish in the Dakar Rally. Although Van Merksteijn finished 14th on stage 12, he is still in 9th place overall. Tim and Tom Coronel didn’t get a nice present after bringing home a 25th place on wednesday. The Coronels finished in 34th, more than four hours behind the winner.

Gert Huzink got another solid result with the trucks. At one point Huzink was classified third, but had to give up some time towards the end of the stage. Huzink finished in sixth spot and is no ninth overall. Steven Rotsaert finished in 15th place in the longest stage of the Dakar Rally.

Jurgen van den Goorbergh, Kees Koolen and Bas Nijen Twilhaar only had to do 900 kilometres of liasion on Thursday. The 12th stage was called off for them due to the weather. The stage for these participants was different than for the cars and trucks.