- Ricky Brabec (Honda) had been leading but retired due to engine failure
- Toby Price (KTM) clinches the top spot
- Hero’s Oriol and Joaquim enter into top 10 and top 20 respectively
It was yet another blow for Honda as after Joan Barreda, Ricky Brabec made his way out of the Dakar Rally in stage 8. Ricky was constantly maintaining his rank in top three but had to quit due to an engine failure after riding for 56km. This pushed KTM rider Toby Price on the top spot with Husqvarna’s Pablo Quintanilla grabbing the second position in the overall as well as stage ranking. KTM rider Matthias Walkner ascended from sixth position in stage 7 to third in this stage after recording his stage-leading timing of 3:55:25.
Sherco TVS faced a letdown after Lorenzo’s exit in stage 6 but the others have been constantly pushing forward. Indian rider Aravind KP's efforts have been evident as, even after a slow start, he is trying to take the lead. The stage 8 saw him moving eight positions up at 39th rank. On the other hand, Metge brothers also showed improvement as Michael moved up from 31st to 24th position while Adrien shifted from 32nd to 26th.
Hero MotoSports’ Oriol Mena has been steady in his performance with his position hovering in the top 15. However, this time the rider went all out to break into the top 10. Finishing the stage 11th, he is currently ranked 10th in general classification. His team mate Joaquim Rodrigues was just one position behind in the stage while his overall ranking ascended from 24th to 18th. Hero’s Indian racer CS Santosh crashed out in stage 5.
The stage 9 of the Dakar Rally 2019 will take place within Pisco which will consist of 96km Liaison and 313km of Special (timed section).
