Monster Energy Honda Team will be back in action tomorrow (Tuesday) with the second round of the FIM Cross Country Rallies World Championship in Qatar.
Portuguese rider Paulo Gonçalves and Argentinean Kevin Benavides line up once more for the Monster Energy Honda Team in the Qatar Sealine, the second race whose points count towards the rally raid world championship.
Gonçalves wrapped up the FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship opener earlier this month in Abu Dhabi with a closely-fought fourth overall place – a result that the rider should be able to improve upon with the type of form that he is currently displaying. Meanwhile, his South American team-mate continues to make a positive comeback after last year’s right hand injury and even managed to put in a convincing performance in Abu Dhabi, which included a stage win. Only a mechanic issue stopped Benavides from scooping a better overall result. The team will continue with the scheduled programme of testing for the Honda CRF450 RALLY with the race in the Qatar desert. The rally is well-known for its high demands, tough terrain and scorching temperatures.
The Losail Circuit will host the base-camp for the Qatar Sealine competitors. Likewise, the site will host the technical and administrative checks prior to the race-start. The daily stages will also start and finish from the circuit.
The race itself will begin with a Super Special of just over 5.6 kilometres. Before the rally is over riders will have had to tackle a total 2000 kilometres including 1373.82 against the clock.
