With sand finally replacing rocky, dusty trails for the first time since the start of the 2020 Dakar Rally, Franco Caimi has secured the Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Team’s best result on day five. Completing the challenging 353-kilometre stage in 12th position, and just under 15 minutes behind the day’s winner, the determined Argentinian now sits 13th overall. Well aware that two of his teammates have already been forced to abandon the event with injury, Franco continues to push on towards the finish of the 43nd Dakar Rally.
Leaving the dramatic canyon vistas behind, as the day’s stage headed east riders were faced with a sea of sand dunes as they neared Ha’il and the fifth day’s overnight bivouac. Pushing as hard as he dared aboard his WR450F Rally, Franco dealt well with tricky navigation early in the stage before improving from 16th to ninth at kilometre 103. Successfully completing the second half of the stage he and his bike completed the day without issue.
