A relatively quiet day for the Team HRC riders as the Dakar 2016 enters the final stretch. Three out of the four factory riders from Team HRC and Honda South America Rally Team are young Dakar rookies chasing down top ten finishes.
Ricky Brabec and Paolo Ceci, the Team HRC riders still in the Dakar, along with the Honda South America Rally Team, Kevin Benavides and Adrien Metge, today fought out an arduous and lengthy 931 kilometre penultimate stage without taking any excessive risks in a stage that finished in Villa Carlos Paz. This should stand them in good stead to reach the final destination in Rosario tomorrow as the Rally Dakar 2016 draws to a close.
Ricky Brabec, currently ninth in the overall standings and Paolo Ceci completed a fast 481 kilometre timed section from San Juan to Villa Carlos Paz, without attacking, in the knowledge that just 180 kilometres remain to the final finish-line. Brabec crossed the line thirty minutes behind the stage winner, with Paolo Ceci posting a 16th place, his best to date in this Dakar.
This year’s surprise Kevin Benavides, from Honda South America Rally Team, continues to shine on his Dakar debut. Today he took a well-deserved third position and consolidated his excellent fourth overall. This could give him the highest newcomers’ spot in the Dakar 2016. Frenchman Adrien Metge wound up the special stage in 15th place and holds 11th in the general standings.
TOMORROW’ STAGE
2016
January 16.
Stage 13: Villa Carlos Paz – Rosario
Special sections: 180km
Total: 699km
Stress heads and the rest
Aspiring winners will certainly be those who find the 180km of the day’s special section the most difficult, designed with twisty, undulating routes, faster sandy and rocky sections… leading to significant levels of stress. For most of the others, the 699km to be covered before reaching the podium in Rosario will be a relief. To be enjoyed without moderation…
