Jose Luis Monterde

As the suspense was growing, the last but one stage of the 2008 Rallye de Tunisie ended today. The Cheli southern winds, who warm the oriental Erg, swept the hopes of many and just one day before the final in Djerba, anything can still happen.

Overall leader in the car category, the Argentinean Orlando Terranova lost his wish of taking his BMW X3 to the first position in a FIA world Cup series due to a radiator leak. All profit for Dominique Housieaux (Buggy Schlesser) ending first closely followed by his team mate Jose Luis Monterde.

They were helped by the misfortune of Eric Vigouroux's Trophy Truck Chevrolet,who suffered two front tire punctures simultaneously. Dominique Housieaux is now top of the overall with a small 12 second lead. We can expect an exceptional finale tomorrow between the ksar Ghilane oasis and the peninsula of Djerba. Alex Antor (KTM) won today's special beating Olivier Pain(Yahama), who stays in the overall lead.

A loop too much. As Albert Hintenaus (KTM 690) set off first this morning, he was quickly overtaken by the leaders. Nearing the end of the stage he was surprised to see Thierry Bethys backtracking the 30 km loop around the beautiful Ksar Ghilane oasis. “his bike was giving off a worrying smell, just like Michel Marchini's the day before. I believe it was on it's last stretches...”

Terranova: forced landing. In the Jenein erg, two thirds of the way of the 8th stage, Orlando Terranova (BMW X3) got himself in a spot of bother. Optimistically fast in the short dunes he landed hard after a tricky section, damaging his radiator, the Argentinean/Australian team lost an hour.

Bourgnon arrived safely. Dogged by difficulties since the start of the Rallye de Tinisie co pilot Laurent Bourgnon did a perfect run today, with his hole family in attendance, the double winner of the Route du Rhum, passed the line seventh of this stage.

Sireyjol regularity. First Bowler, ex biker Patrick Sireyjol with an overall lead of an Hour and a half in front of his main competitors Amaral and Loomans, can afford to take his foot off the pedal tomorrow in the ultimate leg of the Rallye de Tunisie.

Tomecek, in good hands. Paris Dakar veteran Tomas Tomecek (CZ) left nothing to chance, bringing none other than the development engineer from Tatra as co-pilot. Leader in the truck section he therefore can see for himself the efforts to be made to confront Kamaz and Ginaf.

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