HUDDERSFIELD drivers in the Paris Dakar Rally are in the mountains of North Africa.
Paul and Mark Round are in about 82nd position going into the fifth stage of the world- famous rally.
Paul, 46, of Lower Cumberworth, and his son Mark, 26, of Emley, built their own vehicle for the race and are looking forward to the desert conditions they are due to face any day now.
Today's stage five will see them head from Er Rachidia to Ouarzazate.
Each stage is hundreds of kilometres long.
Yesterday they drove 500 miles into the Atlas mountains along with about 140 other competitors.
While night-time temperatures drop to -3ºC, in the day they reach a scorching 40ºC.
"I'm very happy with our position," said Paul, speaking from the starting line this morning.
"The mountains are a really rough area. I want to look after the car because it's designed for the desert."
The duo, now in their sixth rally, hope to gain places among the dunes and dry riverbeds of Africa.
"Basically, a lot of cars will break down then," said Paul.
"It's really good fun! Especially as it's going well."
