Przygonski trims Nasser’s lead in Kazakhstan

AKTAU CITY: Saudi Arabia’s Yazeed Al Rajhi recorded his third win in five days on the penultimate stage of Rally Kazakhstan between Kenderly and Aktau in the Mangystau oblast on Thursday.

The second fastest time enabled Poland’s Jakub Przygonski to trim Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah’s overall lead to 6min 07sec heading into the final loop through the deserts north of Aktau City on Friday.

Nasser suffered a minor gearbox issue and lost some time in the sand dunes.

Nasser and French co-driver Matthieu Baumel began the day with a lead of 9min 51sec in their Overdrive Racing Toyota Hilux.

Despite dropping time to Przygonski, the Qatari has a relatively comfortable cushion to take into the final stage, as he bids to lead the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies for the first time this season. “We still have a good lead to take into the last day, but it was not an easy stage and we had a small problem with the gearbox in the second dunes,” said Nasser. “It was nothing serious and we will be all set for the last day.”

Aron Domzala was not able to close the gap on Przygonski and challenge for second position. The second Toyota driver ceded 11min 38sec to his fellow Pole and looks set to reach the finish in third overall. 

Yasir Saeidan remains well clear of any of his T2 rivals in a Toyota Land Cruiser. Press Release