A French Dakar driver, injured Thursday in a leg by the explosion of a support car of his team near Jeddah (center west), was operated in Saudi Arabia and must be repatriated to France, announced on Saturday the organization of the rally-raid which does not exclude a “malicious act”. Security has been greatly enhanced around the rally-raid bivouac.
“The driver of the car sustained a serious leg injury and had to undergo an operation. His condition is improving (…). His vehicle had been brutally stopped by a sudden explosion, the origin of which is still unknown at this stage. Saudi police immediately went to the scene and began their investigations, ruling out any possibility, including that of a malicious act, ”according to a statement from organizer ASO.
Race director David Castera said in an interview with francetvinfo.fr that the driver was Philippe Boutron. He is taking part in his ninth Dakar and is president of the US Orléans football club. Organizers did not give more details on the severity of his injuries.