The Husqvarna Rallye Team by Speedbrain is ready for the challenge in Qatar

Only two weeks after spectacularly placing both riders on the podium, the Husqvarna Rallye Team by Speedbrain is now proceeding wih the second round of the FIM Cross Country Rally World Championship 2012 in Qatar. Team principal Wolfgang Fischer has entered Joan Barreda and Paulo Goncalves to compete in the inaugural edition of the Qatar Sealine Cross Country Rally, held around the capital of Doha.



The Iberian pair and their Speedbrain-developed Husqvarna TE 449 RR machines are in front of another tough race. At expected temperatures of around 40 degrees celsius, "Hurricane" Barreda and "Speedy" Goncalves will face 1,200 kilometres of sand, gravel fields and high-speed sections. Following today´s prologue there are four demanding stages before the winner is named on Saturday.

Barreda owned Tuesday´s four kilometre short special test and therefore gets first choice for the opening stage. Goncalves finished ninth and was happy also with his performance.

Team principal Wolfgang Fischer: "Unlike in Abu Dhabi two weeks ago the prologue here plays an important role.
The top ten from today get to choose their start position tomorrow. Joan as today´s winner has the first choice. This race is new and we lack any reference. So we´ll see if his strategy works out. For sure both rider are highly motivated and ready to attack right away. Wednesday´s stage is 340 km long."