Barreda mantain the leadership of the rally.
Husqvarna Rallye Team by Speedbrain found themselves on the podium again in the 422km (262 miles) penultimate stage of the Pharaons Rally with Joan Barreda taking second on the Husqvarna TE449RR .
Barreda controlled the race well, taking care keep his direct rivals’ attacks under control, specifically those of Przygonsky who took first place in the stage less than a minute ahead of the Spaniard. On the other hand it was a day to forget for Paulo Goncalves who got lost immediately after the start of the stage passing the first check-point more than an hour later. Goncalves finished at the rear with a 1h 16min delay and dropped back to fourth in the overall standings where Barreda remains leader. Tomorrow sees the final stage of the Pharaons Rally with a run of 425 km (265 miles).
Joan Barreda: “Everything went well today, I tried to control the race and Przygonsky in particular. It’s a real shame for Paulo but that sort of thing happens in rallies. Today navigation was really difficult.”
Paulo Goncalves: “I’m really mortified! I was relying so much on a final podium place in this rally, but I fear that today I’ve thrown it all away. I made a navigational mistake at the beginning of the stage and I paid dearly for it. That’s the way these races are…..”
Wolfgang Fischer- Team Manager: “A shame for Goncalves as everyone was expecting him to get on the podium in this race and in the final standings of the world rally championships. Still, I’m glad he managed to finish the stage without any accidents. Barreda ran his race without too many problems and kept his rivals in check.”
Fifth Stage Results:1.Przygonsky (KTM) at 5’34”, 2. Barreda (Husqvarna Rallye Team by Speedbrain) at 47”, 3. Ullevalsetter (KTM) at 1’37”, 4. Salvatierra (Honda) at 42’40”, 5. Viladoms (Bordone Ferrari) at 7’41”, …..8. Goncalves (Husqvarna Rallye Team by Speedbrain) at 1h16’43”.
Overall standings after five stages: 1. Barreda (Husqvarna) , 2. Przygonsky (KTM) at 17’, 3. Viladoms (Bordone Ferrari), 4. Goncalves (Husqvarna) at 1h29’,5. Salvatierra (Honda) 1h 56’, 6. Czachor (KTM).
Communication Husqvarna Motorcycles Srl - www.husqvarna-motorcycles.com -