Joan Barreda wins the first stage of the Pharaons Rally

FIM Rally World Championship

Pharaons Rally – 1st stage

JOAN BARREDA WINS THE FIRST STAGE OF THE PHARAONS RALLY

The Husqvarna Rallye Team by Speedbrain got off to the best possible start in the Pharaons Rally, the final phase of the FIM Rally World Championship.

The team’s riders came in first and second in the first stage of the rally that begins today in Egypt and continues until 6th October, after a 330 km (205 miles) race from Giza to Tibniya.

Joan Barreda dominated in a high-speed stage where he was able to get the maximum out the fantastic engine that the TE449RR by Speedbrain is equipped with. Barreda imposed himself on the race finishing more than five minutes ahead of his team mate Paulo Goncalves who marked up a fine second place. Goncalves has proved himself to be both fit as well as fast, finishing more than a minute and a half in front of Jordi Villadoms.

Tomorrow’s stage looks forward to 347 km of desert and dunes.

Joan Barreda: “I’m really pleased with the way it turned out today. The stage was really fast and the bike really helped me, especially in the last 50 km where I was able  to get an advantage thanks to the great engine. Tomorrow I start in first place and I’ll have to make the most of it. ”

Paulo Goncalves: “I got away well at a great pace. I took care not to make any mistakes and tried to increase the advantage that I had over Villadoms which I managed to do.  I’d love to always race like that to be able to achieve my goal which is a podium place and a finish in the world rally championship in second place. Tomorrow’s stage will be really fast with a lot of dunes, ideally suited to our Husqvarna TE449RR.

Wolfgang Fischer- Team Manager: “It really was a great start! We are at our first Pharaons Rally and we got a fine team result right away. Joan was giving it some! Finishing five minutes ahead in such a fast stage really is an amazing result. ”