Mechanics takes a break between maintenance.

Teruhito Sugawara takes a break at the bivouac in Riyadh.

On January 13, 2024 Dakar had a rest day at the halfway point of the race, in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia.No competition was held that day, and mechanics spent the entire day inspecting and maintaining vehicles at the bivouac set up near an airfield on the outskirts of the city, preparing for the second half of the race.

HINO TEAM SUGAWARA, which is competing in the trucks category with the HINO 600 Series, finished the 48h Chrono stage held from January 11 to 12 at around 8pm, and then moved from Shubaytah to Riyadh without any time to rest.It was 4am when they arrived at the bivouac.

Early in the morning, as the driver and navigators took a break after the long race, the mechanics who had been waiting began work.

The front and rear leaf springs and brake rotors were replaced just as it had been scheduled, and in addition, the fuel line that had caused trouble on the previous day's stage was replaced, and the bonnet, which had been damaged by the grueling dune crossing, was repaired.The vehicle has been completely refreshed for the second half of the race.

The first day of the second half of the race will be held from Riyadh to Al Duwadimi.The stage heads west from Riyadh, with a total distance of 873km, including a 483km hard SS (competition section) over sand dunes and the liaison.It is the longest stage of this year's competition.

The Hino team finished yesterday's stage in 10th place in the trucks category, and ended the first half of the race with a cumulative ranking of 8th in the trucks category.

The Hino 600 series has significantly improved acceleration performance at low speeds by optimizing the final gear ratio, and despite its small 8866cc engine, it has demonstrated performance comparable to 13-liter rival vehicles.

The team is full of spirit as they aim for a higher place in the second half, which is expected to continue to be a tough race.

Teruhito Sugawara:
We left Shubaytah just after 8pm last night, traveled 850km, and arrived in Riyadh just after 4am.
This year's track has been running very well and fast, so I'd like to do my best to aim for a higher position in the second half of the race starting tomorrow.

Takayuki Monma:
The replacement of the AT and transfer, which was scheduled for the middle of the race, had already been completed when those problems occurred during the race.
So, today's most important maintenance is replacing the front leaf spring.
The maintenance on the AT is preventive, and other than a broken fuel pipe and a transfer malfunction, there are no problems and the vehicle is in good condition.
I hope we can maintain this good form and get through the second half.

Seiichi Suzuki:
It's unfortunate that we had a fuel problem yesterday, as the vehicle is in good condition.
The fuel return tube of the injection system was damaged at the previous race as well,but regulations do not allow us to change the material, so we have to devise.

Shintaro Kojima:
Now that the first half is over, I'm getting used to the race scene, but at the same time I'm starting to reflect on myself more and more.
I feel an amazing sense of elation when the vehicle returns while I'm waiting at the bivouac.

Tsuyoshi Fukuta:
I'm glad that the process didn't involve multiple important maintenance tasks and that we were able to achieve a good balance.
I was able to get in shape since I did not work yesterday.
I'll do my best to get the car running smoothly again tomorrow.

Akinobu Saito:
My throat has been hurting since the day before yesterday, probably because of the sand dust.
There are many special aspects to the maintenance of competition vehicle, but I have been involved with the vehicle since it was manufactured, so I understand the structure.
As for the fuel return pipe, I am thinking of reviewing the piping.

Koji Yoshikawa:
Actually, I had a fever a few days ago, but I'm fine now.
I'm glad that this year's vehicle has fewer breakdowns.Today's work was also very detailed.

Yuji Mochizuki is relieved that everything is going well.

Akinobu Saito removes the front damper.

Tsuyoshi Fukuta prepares to replace the front leaf spring.

Takayuki Monma overhauls the rear reduction hub.

Seiichi Suzuki repairs the bonnet.