Abu Dhabi Racing and Peugeot Middle East official driver Sheikh Khalid bin Faisal Al Qassimi, behind the wheel of a 3008 DKR Maxi, with co-driver Xavier Panseri, held on to his 8th overall position at the end of SS08, the Uyuni-Tupiza stage comprising of 87km of Liaison and 498km of Special stages. Sheikh Khalid drove with confidence and displayed consistency, going 7th fastest at most of the waypoints.

Most competitors were in agreement that SS08 was a severe test of endurance for both man and machine at this edition of the Dakar so far. Things were made even more difficult as drivers reached high altitudes at 3,500 meters above the sea level.

Heaving a sigh of relief after completing the gruelling stage, Sheikh Khalid said: "We have completed a successful marathon with no problems. We lost about 10 minutes due to navigational challenges at some places, but in general, it was a long and exciting stage where things eventually went well for us."

"The stage was very demanding as it was very long and at high altitude with varied terrain - sand, soil, gravel, open and fast sections,  mud, and lots of camel grass. We now look forward to the next stage and hope to carry the momentum going forward."

Photos: Abu Dhabi Racing

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