Enter the sandman

Tom Coronel swaps his WTCR programme for the now Saudi Arabia-based Dakar rally. Contesting it with his twin brother, Tim, they share some of the secrets of their 2021 contender

- ANDREW COTTON

The Dakar rally has undergone many different incarnations since it first ran in the 1970s, moving around the world until last year, when it settled in the Saudi Arabian desert. Held over 12 days, the rally retains its traditional adventurous spirit and the stages encompass rocks and long sand runs at high speed, but the idea of moving through countries in an orienteering extravaganza are gone for now.

Remaining in just one country has actually helped the organisation with the current Covid restrictions and allowed the rally to go ahead. Drivers will have to quarantine for five days, receive two negative tests and be confined to the bivouac until they are ready to start. In developing their anti-Covid plan with the local authorities, the rally organisation will benefit from experience gained on the Tour de France.

Tom Coronel, more widely known for his circuit racing exploits, has contested the Dakar rally seven times, while his brother, Tim, has competed so many times he has the moniker ‘Legend’ alongside his name on the entry list. In their workshop in Huizen, Holland they have developed their vehicle for the race. Labelled the Beast347 4.0, it is based on a Baja chassis from California-based Jefferies Racing, adapted to Dakar spec by the Coronel team.