16:18 | Pisco (Ica region), Jan. 7.
Spanish motorcycle rider Joan Barreda (Honda) won the first stage (Lima-Pisco) at 2019 Dakar Rally
being held entirely in Peru.
Joan Barreda has been faithful to his reputation as a hunter of stage victories and has begun the
2019 Dakar with his first win ahead of
Pablo Quintanilla.
Barreda made a big impression by reaching the finish with a lead of 1'34 over Quintanilla, whose performance was far from anything to be ashamed of.
Adrien Van Beveren has finished in 4th place a little less than 3 minutes behind, whilst
Toby Price slowed at the end of the special to claim the 6th position, just in front of
Matthias Walkner.
"It's always difficult, this kind of stage. Everybody is really fast over this terrain. It's exciting to start like this, but sometimes it can be dangerous," said the 1st stage winner.
"You always need to take care. Finally, I think I rode a good stage, I've got a good feeling and we are ready for
more stages," he added.
Al-Attiyah wins stage 1 of cars
On the other hand,
Nasser Al-Attiyah has not given his rivals a chance along the route of the first special and has won with a majestic performance.
The Qatari has beaten
Carlos Sainz by almost 2 minutes in Pisco and is the first rally leader.
"It was quite a short start to the rally but quite difficult. We tried to catch Carlos over the last 10 kilometers from the finish. We tried to stay with him and at the finishing line we tried to pass him, but today was a good day for us, and we'll see what happens," the Toyota driver commented.
"If we win the stage, it will be good, but if we don't, then tomorrow is another day. The car is fantastic, it's working really well. The BF Goodrich tires are working very well. I'm happy, and we'll see what we can do," he continued.
(END) RMB/MVB
Published: 1/7/2019