“This Dakar starts well”: Lozerian Martin Bonnet wins in the prologue of the 2024 edition

Martin Bonnet and Xavier De Soultrait have an ideal start to their Dakar. – A.S.O./DPPI/F. Le Floch

When we met Martin Bonnet in the AlUla bivouac, a few hours before departure, the Mendois remained modest in his ambitions. However, we felt that confidence reigned after testing the new Polaris buggy and the work carried out with its pilot Xavier de Soultrait.

The times spoke and the duo made the difference over the 27 kilometers of the prologue on Friday, winning the SSV category. "We will have to confirm in the days to come but this Dakar is starting well", reacted Martin.

Almost full box for the Sébastien Loeb Racing team since the Aveyronnais Florent Vayssade and Nicolas Rey, who also ride in these colors, are third. Good first day in the two cars of the MMP team where the Gard co-drivers Adrien and Michaël Metge are competing, both ranked in the top 10.

The Baud eighths

In the premier Ultimate category too, the region shone. The Aude duo composed of Lucie and Lionel Baud finished eighth. Aveyron co-pilot Loïc Minaudier and his leader Mathieu Serradori are a little further away, in twentieth position, just in front of the formidable Gardois Romain Dumas.

Bagnolais firefighter Valentin Sarreaud and his driver Christian Lavieille, 36th, rode their first kilometers of the year. Their Aveyron teammates from MD Rallye Sport, Jean-Rémy Bergounhe and Lionel Costes, are 75th.

Motorcycle rider Vincent Biau had a great time on the course, but made navigation errors that cost him dearly: a 30-minute penalty. He will have 414 kilometers of special this Saturday to move up the hierarchy.