JOAN BARREDA STILL LEADING PHARAONS RALLY

FIM Rally World Championship

Pharaons Rally – 2nd Stage

JOAN BARREDA STILL LEADING PHARAONS RALLY

The second stage of the Pharaons Rally was held today with 344 km (215 miles) of navigation, dunes and rocks. Barreda and Goncalves of the Husqvarna Rallye Team by Speedbrain commanded the race together making way for the riders who started behind. This turned out in favour of Viladoms who took today’s honours.

Nevertheless Joan Barreda keeps the lead with around three minutes advantage over  Viladoms who snatched second overall place from Paulo Goncalves by just a few seconds .

Tomorrow the Tibniya – Abu Mingar, the longest and most hazardous stage of 426km takes place with a 154km transfer.

Joan Barreda: “Today Paulo and I were in control of the race and we didn’t want to take any risks before tomorrow’s stage which will be the most important of the rally. The bikes are going like a dream, and have proved to be extremely agile with great handling even on the  mixed and rocky stretches at the end of the stage.

Paulo Goncalves: “Everything went great today too! I lost second place by a few seconds to Viladoms as Joan and me had to be first on the tracks and doing a lot of navigation work today. I feel great and tomorrow is going to be really important!”

Wolfgang Fischer- Team Manager: “ All’s well! Great tactical race from our riders who rode without taking too many risks. The bikes haven’t had any problems and now we are looking forward to the big one tomorrow.”

Second Stage Result: 1. Viladoms (Bordone Ferrari), 2.Przygonsky (KTM) at 1’12”, 3. Goncalves (Husqvarna Rallye Team by Speedbrain) at 2’, 4. Barreda (Husqvarna Rallye Team by Speedbrain ) at 3’25”, 5. Ullevalseter ( KTM) at 5’

Overall standings after two stages: 1. Barreda (Husqvarna) , 2.Viladoms (Bordone Ferrari) at  3’42” ,3. Goncalves (Husqvarna) at 3’54” , 4. Przygonsky (KTM)  at 5’02” , 5.Ullevalseter (KTM) at   12’05”.