Husqvarna Rallye Team by Speedbrain takes lead in Abu Dhabi

Joan Barreda showed his class at today´s stage of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, the first round of the FIM Rally World Championship 2012. The Spaniard, who started in third behind Marc Coma and Helder Rodrigues, stormed to the front early in the 280 kilometre-long stage. Barreda had a tough job through the massive dunes of the Liwa desert in the Emirate´s south. His fine performance at a very hot day was ultimately rewarded with the overall race lead - ahead of Coma and Jordi Viladoms.



Paulo "Speedy" Goncalves, the second Husqvarna Rallye Team by Speedbrain rider, ended Tuesday´s leg in fourth.
The Portuguese sits fifth in the standings.

At the halfway point the first five riders are lying extremely close together, separated by only 94 seconds.
Seems the world´s best in this year´s championship are competing on a similar level.

Stage 2
1. Ruben Faria (SPA) KTM 4:09:03 hrs
2. Jordi Viladoms (SPA) KTM 1:34 behind
3. James West (UAE) Honda 3:15
4. Paulo Goncalves (POR) Husqvarna Rallye Team by Speedbrain 6:14
5. Gerard Farres-Guell (SPA) KTM 7:39
6. Joan Barreda (SPA) Husqvarna Rallye Team by Speedbrain 7:48

Overall standings
1. Barreda 7:57:06 hrs
2. Marc Coma (SPA) KTM 0:20 behind
3. Viladoms 0:56
4. Helder Rodrigues (POR) Yamaha 1:05
5. Goncalves 1:34
6. Faria 3:36