SOLID RESULT FOR KTM RIDERS ON FIRST HALF OF 2018 MERZOUGA RALLY MARATHON STAGE

Merzouga Rally 2018 – Morocco (MAR)

Stage three of the Merzouga Rally marks the first half of the event’s marathon stage. Staying overnight in a temporary bivouac, riders receive no outside assistance to themselves or their bikes. It is imperative on the stage for competitors to conserve tyres and machinery where even a minor problem could mean the end to their rally. 

Following his third place on Tuesday’s stage two, Toby Price set off just after 8am with just two riders ahead to chase down. Deciding to concentrate on his own navigation and riding to a fast but steady pace to minimise mistakes, the Australian put in a strong performance to finish as the fourth fastest rider at the end of the 241km special. Currently lying sixth in the provisional overall standings, Toby will set off from the bivouac on Thursday with the aim of making up some time on the riders ahead. 

Riding a consistent stage three, avoiding any navigation errors or damage to her KTM 450 RALLY, KTM Factory Racing’s Laia Sanz placed 17th fastest. With the Merzouga Rally marking the Spaniard’s return to rally competition following her excellent result at this year’s Dakar Rally, Laia is using the time in the Moroccan dunes to reacquaint herself with her machine and continue to perfect the navigation required in cross-country rallies.

 Jordi Viladoms – KTM Rally Sport Manager: “The Merzouga Rally has proven to be a tricky race for the KTM Factory Team so far. After performing very well on the Prologue both Toby and Laia started near the front of stage one, this turned out to be a disadvantage due to the navigation on the stage. We know that the rally here in Morocco is a tough one to compete in, that’s why it is such a good practice for the Dakar. We didn’t expect the first special to be such a challenge and it has had us playing catch-up ever since. However, it has also given our riders a good opportunity to work on navigation skills for these types of rallies and will give them good experience for the Dakar early next year. 

"We’re really pleased with both of our riders - Toby’s pace is excellent and he is really working on his skills whilst keeping to a good rhythm. He’s fifth at the moment but still has a good shot at a podium. Laia is currently running 15th overall, which is a great result for her and she is also working very hard on her speed in the desert over these tough conditions.” 

Stage four of the 2018 Merzouga Rally comprises a short 36km liaison section followed by a demanding 233km timed special. Riders will first encounter the characteristic soft dunes of the area before heading out onto the faster tracks of the second half of the stage. Conserving tyres and equipment will again be key before arriving at the service at the end of the day. 

Provisional Results Stage Three – 2018 Merzouga Rally

 1. Joan Barreda (ESP), Honda, 3:23:42 
2. Pablo Quintanilla (CHI), Husqvarna, 3:32:41 +8:59 
3. Kevin Benavides (ARG), Honda, 3:32:57 +9:15 
4. Toby Price (AUS), KTM, 3:34:31 10:49 
5. Franco Caimi (ARG), Yamaha, 3:35:03 11:21
 Other KTM 
10. Stefan Svitko (SVK) KTM, 3:40:50 +17:08 
17. Laia Sanz (ESP), KTM, 3:53:57 +30:15 

Provisional Overall Results – 2018 Merzouga Rally after 3 of 5 stages

 1. Joan Barreda (ESP), Honda, 9:36:09 
2. Kevin Benavides (ARG), Honda, 9:49:00 +12:51 
3. Pablo Quintanilla (CHI), Husqvarna, 9:50:01 +13:52 
4. Franco Caimi (ARG), Yamaha, 9:54:31 +18:22 
5. Toby Price (AUS), KTM, 9:56:26 +20:17 
Other KTM 
10. Stefan Svitko (SVK), KTM, 10:30:58 +54:49 
15. Laia Sanz (ESP), KTM, 11:10:25 +1:34:16

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