The Bavarian Speedbrain Rally Team began the Rally Dos Sertoes in Brazil in convincing fashion. Paulo Goncalves won today´s prologue held in Goiânia and will open Friday´s stage as the initial race leader.
Prologue - Paulo Goncalves
The 1,7 kilometre-short super special stage was spectacular in its layout and well located in the city centre. The riders faced one another on a parallel course, with Goncalves and reigning Dakar champ Cyril Despres forming a strong pair. Paulo, fully motivated against the Frenchman, decided the prestigious duel to his favour, as the rest of the field had to be content placing down the order. Goncalves´ winning time: 1:52 minutes.
The top 15 riders from the prologue may choose their start position, which is common in all rounds of the FIM Cross Country Rally World Championship. Paulo is therefore in an ideal situation to kick-off Friday´s first real stage to Pirenópolis.
Paulo Goncalves: "It is wonderful to take this stage victory. The agile Speedbrain 450 R was the perfect tool today. I will try everything to defend my lead tomorrow. We´re having a strong opposition here in Brazil, it´s going to be a long and tight race."
The Rally Dos Sertoes conquers the riders over ten days. The eventual winner will cross the finish line on 3 August back in Goiânia.
Results Stage 1 - Super Special Stage:
1. Paulo Goncalves (PRT, Speedbrain) 00:01:52 hrs
2. Bueno (BRA, Honda) +00:00:00
3. Metge (FRA, Yamaha) +00:00:02
4. Despres (FRA, Yamaha) +00:00:03
5. Przygonski (POL, KTM) +00:00:05
News
Rally Dos Sertoes 2013, stage 1
