It was a noteworthy display from Team HRC as the Rally dos Sertoes got underway, with Paulo Goncalves and Helder Rodrigues finishing the prologue in top positions in a race against the clock over a distance just shy of 10 kilometres.
Victory, in a very quick and surprise-free prologue, allows Paulo Goncalves to choose tomorrow’s starting position in first full stage, which sets out from Goiania and winds up in Caldas Novas, 216.21 kilometres later. 155 km will be against the clock. Helder Rodrigues crossed the finish-line just 24 seconds behind his fellow-countryman in fifth position, which also sets the rider up for a good starting position tomorrow.
The fine performance of the Honda Brazil team, should be highlighted, with Jean Azevedo scoring the second best time and Julio Zavatti, ninth.
Paulo Gonçalves: I’m very pleased because I’ve won the prologue in the Rally Sertoes. Tomorrow sees the first long special at 160 kilometres. I hope to be on form and be in the running for the victory as this rally means a lot to me.
