Moving one step closer to securing the 2017 FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship title, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider Pablo Quintanilla has claimed a third place result in today’s marathon stage. Extending his lead in the provisional overall standings, the Chilean is one day away from securing victory at the 2017 OiLibya Rally.
The third rider to take to the start of today’s shortened timed special, Pablo followed a well-calculated plan of attack. Putting in a strong performance in the dunes of Morocco the FR 450 Rally mounted rider secured a second consecutive top three result.
Currently enjoying a six-minute lead in the provisional overall standings, Pablo is on track to secure victory at the 2017 Morocco Rally and along with it the 2017 FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship title.
Battling his way through a small navigational mistake, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider Andrew Short reached the finish of the marathon stage with a 16th place result for the day. Continuing to make some important progress, the American is looking forward to the final stage of the rally.
Featuring a circular route around the city of Erfoud, Tuesday’s stage five of the OiLibya Morocco Rally includes a 188km-long timed special.
Pablo Quintanilla: “I’m really happy with how everything is going. When I set off for the marathon stage I didn’t even know if I’d be able to continue my battle for the championship. Two days later I’m leading the overall standings and we have one more stage to secure the title. The marathon stage was good and I felt strong on my bike. Organisers made some modifications due to the rainfall and we had to race a shortened stage on both days. I finished third on both days and I’m happy about that. We’re in a very good position for the last stage. I need to stay focused until the last kilometre because anything could happen. As always, I will give 100% and hope for the best tomorrow.”
Andrew Short: “The overall experience of the marathon stage was really fun. I got the chance to see the desert camp and live the real rally experience having to prepare my bike alone. The atmosphere is great in the event and I’m loving every minute of it. The first part of the marathon stage was quite tough for me. The terrain was very rocky and I struggled to get a good feeling in terms of navigation and my speed. Things were a lot better today and I could ride and navigate better. Today I made a mistake missing a note and that cost me some time. Overall, I can see some progress but still I have a long way to go. I want to get better at rally racing and find ways to improve for the future.”
2017 OiLibya Morocco Rally – Stage 4 Provisional Classification
1. Adrien Van Beveren (Yamaha) 1:55:20
2. Kevin Benavides (Honda) 1:57:28
3. Pablo Quintanilla (Husqvarna) 1:58:02
4. Antoine Meo (KTM) 1:58:35
5. Lorenzo Santolino (Sherco) 1:59:19
2017 OiLibya Morocco Rally – Provisional Overall Standings After Stage 4
1. Pablo Quintanilla (Husqvarna) 8:05:35
2. Matthias Walkner (KTM) 8:12:24
3. Kevin Benavides (Honda) 8:19:33
4. Ricky Brabec (Honda) 8:26:02
5. Antoine Meo (KTM) 8:27:54
6. Joan Pedrero (Sherco) 8:29:47
