Stage 1 of the Atacama Rally was marked by victories of Chilean riders Pablo Quintanilla and Ignacio Casale.
The Atacama Rally left Viña del Mar to join La Serena in today’s first stage of the fifth date of the Cross Country Rally World Championship. Chilean KTM rider Pablo Quintanilla playing local scored the best time followed by team mates Sam Sunderland (UK) and Toby Price (Australia).
“In spite of being a short stage, it was difficult due to the conditions of the road. It was so complex that I fell down a few meters after the start. Fortunately, it wasn’t bad. Now, I have to focus on tomorrow because it means I have to open the road, which is not always easy due to navigation,” said Pablo Quintanilla.
In quads, the victory was for another Chilean: Ignacio Casale. Casale marked a stage victory with over two minutes over Polland rider Rafal Sonik. Uruguayan rider Mauro Almeida was the last quad to close today’s timed section.
“This first stage of the Atacama Rally was positive. We opened the road and won, which makes me feel glad. I want to take care of the quad, avoid any mechanical issue to win this date of the Cross Country World Championship,” said Casale at the finish line.
RESULTS
Category: Bikes
1° (3) Pablo Quintanilla (Chile/KTM)) 45’ mins 40” 23
2° (9) Sam Sunderland (UK/KTM) 45’41”23
3° (8) Toby Price (Australia/KTM) 45’42”40
Category: Quads
1° (102) Ignacio Casale (Chile/Yamaha) 52’18”
2° (100) Rafal Sonik (Polland/Yamaha) 55’56”
3° (101) Mauro Almeida (Uruguay/Yamaha) 56’46”