P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Dakar disqualifies T3 leader for technical infringement
Energylandia driver Goczal, who had been dominating the opening week of the Dakar rally in the T3 category, was excluded from the results due to using an unauthorized carbon clutch. This decision by the FIA is final and irrevocable, resulting in Goczal and his co-driver Oriol Mena being out of the rally. Another driver, Goczal’s uncle Michal, was also disqualified for the same reason, losing his fifth place in the category. Goczal attempted to protest the decision by highlighting a rule in the Dakar rulebook that seemed to suggest no restrictions on clutch materials, but there is no official record of a conversation granting permission. Both Goczals plan to appeal the decision, but it could take up to 30 days for the appeal to be accepted. As a result, even if the appeal is successful, they will not be able to compete in the remainder of the rally. Mitch Guthrie now leads the T3 category, with Cristina Gutierrez in second place. Guerlain Chicherit moves up to 10th place in the overall standings.
