Special Motorsports Event - Dakar Stage 1 Results - Trucks

Dutchman Marcel Van Vliet won the opening stage of the truck category of the 2012 Dakar Rally as Kamaz struggled.

The MAN driver completed the 57km special stage between Necochea and Energia in Argentina in 37 minutes 45 seconds, 26s ahead of compatriot Gerard de Rooy (Iveco) and 56s faster than German Franz Echter (MAN).

The top Kamaz entry was fifth, driven by Artur Ardavichus, with Iveco drivers Miki Biaison and Hans Stacey fourth and sixth respectively.

Hopefuls for overall victory Ayrat Mardeev (Kamaz), Ales Loprais (Tatra) and Eduard Nikolaev (Kamaz) were eighth, 10th and 11th.

It was Van Vliet's second stage win in the Dakar. He also won the opening stage of the 2009 edition in Santa Rosa.