Joan Barreda made short work of two complicated stages against the clock and opens up a considerable advantage over the rest of the field with one day to run. Michael Metge moves up a position in the overall standings after posting second fastest time in the second special.
Two timed stages over some 170 kilometres put the Team HRC riders through their paces on a high-speed dust and rock-filled track near Teruel. It was Joan Barreda who stood out on the day, finishing both specials with the quickest time of the day. The Spaniard clocked up a commanding four minute advantage in the first section and then stretched his advantage by another three minutes in the second special. The rider on the Honda CRF450 Enduro thus sports a total lead of 6’50” over second place Gerard Farrés in the overall standings. Tomorrow there will be only one lap for the last stage of the Baja Aragon.
Frenchman Michael Metge astride the Honda CRF450 RALLY was also flying today. His second place finish in the second special was enough for him to climb the general rankings.
Honda come away more than content, dominating the whole event with four out of the top five machines belonging to the marque. The third and fifth positions were for Oriol Mena and David Adrià supported by Honda Spain.
