Yasir Seaidan and Dania Akeel now have three things in common: their Saudi passport, the BBR outfit and having endured a day of misery in the first round of the series. The 2024 winner in SSV encountered steering problems in stage 1, forcing him to quit the special. Yesterday, Akeel damaged a wishbone and had to wait longer than ideal for her service crew. Arriving at the bivouac at 6:30 am, she went straight to her pit before heading back out without sleep. After checking in 4 minutes late for the bivouac start, Akeel had a rethink: her goal of finishing in the top 5 of the special to score stage points had been scuppered by this false start. She wisely turned back to service her Taurus and get some rest, maximising her chances of shining in the upcoming stages. Seaidan has already bagged 14 points in this game. After victories yesterday and the day before, driver no. 400 finished second today. Akeel currently has 7 points and will be keen to follow her compatriot's lead. The Saudi SSV drivers will be taking no prisoners from now on!
