Dakar rally - Tina Thörner "The 2010 Dakar has passed"

Swedish co-driver Tina Thörner in the BMW X-raid team reports everyday on her Dakar blog from the stages. This is her last entry - stage 14

The 2010 Dakar rally has passed...

So, here I am, back at the same hotel room as on the 28th of December! A journey of 9000km has been accomplished, and some new knowledge to go with that = that´s life, that is life!


The start of the last leg was a late one, and the stretch only 200km, straight and a few curbs, we rated an averages speed at 145km/h, and since starting inbetween the two potential candidates for the titel, we were up for it! BMW vs VW. Just ahead of the start, the co-driver of Sainz walked over to us, asking us to move over if the caught up with us.

All 4 went for it, and by the end of the stage there was just one minute separating us all, we ended third. Our Matador Carlos Sainz wann the rally ahead of Nasser. And that was probably what VW wanted. Everybody was happy and pleased. There was an enormous crowd by the side of the road, and all the way (350km) til reaching the finish in Buenos Aires.

Chichi and I said, we could go for another two weeks staight away, the excitement and all the fun we´ve had. But all comes to an end, and my thoughts in the car when heading back, making a rerun of all we went through, and the difference in having a "youngster" driving the car.

There is a difference, especially when it comes to "matureness", attitude and point of view on things going on. Good run of practice for me. So in the car there was a "coaching lesson". And I told Chichi the point of view of a mature woman, all things we´ve gone through during this Dakar rally.

Went straight to the shower at 20.00 to the team dinner followed by the Red Bull party VW was throwing. I only lasted for an hour, then straight back to the hotel to write something to you, my faithful readers. Then there will be some packing done, returning back home after the prize ceremony.

I am heading home to start planing 2010, make that a great year, have so many plans, so I have to plan, make some structure and make my "annual map" to navigate by.

Enjoy Sunday and we all be looking forward an exciting 2010!

I would also like to say thank you to all of those who´s been following up on me and Aftonbladet, who made it possible for me to share the Dakar team experience. It was great to drive all the stages here in South America, cause as it looks like now, the Dakar rally will be returning to Africa next year.

Rally Raid greetings,

Tina