In the early hours of January 8, 2015, Beijing time, the fourth stage of the 37th Dakar Rally from Chilecito to Copiapó concluded. Among the Chinese participants, Zhou Yong of the Perfect China "Mianian Dajiankang" Brave Team started 49th, finished the stage in 3 hours, 50 minutes and 04 seconds, ranking 24th, while Zhong Lei and Liu Kun of the Dongfang Racing Team drove together, finishing in 4 hours, 26 minutes and 52 seconds and 4 hours, 30 minutes and 42 seconds respectively, currently ranked 45th and 46th. In the overall standings, Al-Attiyah leads with a total time of 12 hours, 30 minutes and 44 seconds. Zhou Yong has moved up to 21st overall, while Zhong Lei and Liu Kun are ranked 45th and 47th respectively.
Zhou Yong, Driver of the Brave Team
Back at the camp, Zhou Yong appeared both excited and exhausted. Reflecting on his performance today and his synergy with the navigator, he posted a brief message on WeChat: “This is the first desert stage in Chile. With the help of our navigator Andy, car No. 332 started 50th and finished 24th. We’re both very satisfied with how we handled this desert battle together.”
As the 2015 Dakar’s chief on-site observer for the Perfect China "Mianian Dajiankang" Brave Team, Guo Meiling was deeply moved. “Dakar is Dakar. I woke up at 4:30 am today, drove nearly 600 kilometers and also went through high-altitude areas. Everyone in the car was drowsy and suffering from splitting headaches. For the drivers, they not only endure physical torment but also have to strive to finish the race with as few mistakes as possible. What kind of physical strength, willpower and driving skills does that take!” Perhaps her unique perspective comes from her background — she competed as a driver in the 2012 China Rally and the 2014 China Great Trek, achieving excellent results. She is also the Vice Chairwoman of Meinian Onehealth Healthcare (Group) Co., Ltd. If rumors are true and she intends to compete in the 2016 Dakar Rally, she may become the first female Chinese driver in Dakar history.
Tomorrow, drivers will face the fifth stage from Copiapó to Antofagasta, featuring a special stage of 458 km and a liaison section of 239 km. This is a high-speed stage, and although there are no desert sections, the dusty road surface will make high driving precision essential, and overtaking will be extremely difficult.