Casale bids to make Dakar history

The world-famous Dakar Rally comes to a finish in Valparaíso tomorrow – and the bulk of the spectators will be hoping to witness a Chilean triumph for the first time.

Valparaíso – In the quads, Chile´s Ignacio Casale has carved out a commanding lead of almost one-and-a-half hours over his closest challenger, Poland´s Rafal Sonik.

It means that Casale is almost certain to win, unless something goes drastically wrong on the last day from La Serena to Valparaíso.

There could be one other stumbling block for the Chilean, though. Sonic has made an official complaint that Casale broke the rules by receiving external help to change a wheel.

If proven, the punishment could see the Chilean lose three to six hours, costing him the title.

However, there were suggestions on Friday afternoon that the Pole´s complaint was going to be dismissed by Dakar organisers because it had arrived outside of the time frame allowed.

If Casale is cleared, he can look forward to a rousing reception in Valparaíso tomorrow afternoon. Events are due to get underway at 4pm and there will be a fireworks show later in the evening.

Spain´s Marc Coma has a comfortable lead in motorbikes, but the competition in cars and trucks looks set to go down to the wire.