The Rally dos Sertoes arrives at its mid-point with the race’s longest timed special, in a stage run over a variety of different types of track, amidst the distinctive reddish hue of the Brazilian terrain. Today’s stage, with a total of 363.85 kilometres, set off from Paracatu, and once the 125 kilometre link had been passed, it was pedal to the metal in the timed section - a very well-rounded special that included a narrow, hard and damaged track, that had been at the mercy of the rain and elements. The route also took in a fair amount of sand, as well as creeks and fords of varying water levels. The riders arrived in the town of San Francisco after a ferry-crossing, on the river bearing the same name; thus completing a total stage distance of 585.30 kilometres.
It was first and third place for the two CRF450 RALLY riders, and the third time that Paulo Goncalves has marked the best time in the special so far in this Rally dos Sertoes. The Portuguese rider’s aim was clear - nothing less than victory – and not even a slight time-consuming error was able to dent the Honda rider’s continual will to win. In doing so, Goncalves cuts down the deficit with the leader by 1 minute 15 seconds leaving the Honda rider just two minutes adrift of Marc Coma.
Helder Rodrigues performed well, taking third place and moving in on third place Brazilian Jean Azevedo, from the Honda Brazil team, who crossed the line in fourth on the day.
Tomorrow sees the riders face the race’s marathon stage, the rules of which outlaw any kind of mechanical assistance at the end of the day, and where the bikes will be closed off in the parc fermé. As a consequence, preparation is of utmost importance, and likewise, it will be crucial to not run the machine too hard tomorrow.
Paulo Gonçalves: I had a great day today. I started from third place and I started to really push. Towards the middle of the stage I made a slight mistake, I momentarily lost concentration and lost a bit of time. I really forced it on the last part and made up time and won the stage. I’m really pleased for me, for the CRF450 RALLY and for all the rest of the HRC Team, which is doing a great job. We will continue to work hard over the next few days, as we are now at the half-way point.
