Husqvarna Rallye Team by Speedbrain continues to attack

The Husqvarna Rallye Team by Speedbrain keeps posting strong results. Joan Barreda finishes runner-up at today´s stage of the Sealine Cross Country Rally in Qatar to show again what he is capable of.

The Spaniard got to choose his start position after winning Monday´s prologue and decided to take the last possible choice. "Hurricane" Barreda´s strategy paid off, as he soon managed to control the field and storm to the front early. Barreda and fellow countryman Marc Coma then exchanged the race lead several times.



Barreda upped the pace, but couldn´t get rid of his rival in the deep sand of the dunes, with navigation being a real challenge. The battle was also going on in the high-speed sections - at top speeds of 170 km/h. At the end of the 340 kilmetre long special stage, Barreda crossed the line eight seconds behind Coma. Reigning World Champ Helder Rodrigues was over three minutes behind.

Joan Barreda: "Because of the navigation I had to handle in the lead, I couldn´t establish a gap. It was very hard work out there, I kept pushing, but Coma was on the gas until the end."

Paulo "Speedy" Goncalves, the second team rider, was quick to find his rhythm. He rode smart, improved to fifth at the first stop for fuel, before a stone hit his rim. As a result the Portuguese lost the mousse and had to ride 130 km with a damaged front wheel. He lost over one hour.

Paulo Goncalves: "That was bad luck. I can´t fight for the victory anymore, but I will give my best over the next days to make us look strong as a team."

Provisional results
Stage 1
1. Marc Coma (SPA) KTM 3:47:54 hrs
2. Joan Barreda (SPA) Husqvarna Rallye Team by Speedbrain 0:08 min behind
3. Helder Rodrigues (POR) Yamaha 3:11
4. Ruben Faria (POR) KTM 5:48
5. Jordi Viladoms (SPA) KTM 6:17

Standings
1. Coma 3:50:41 hrs
2. Barreda 0:06 min behind
3. Rodrigues 3:10
4. Faria 5:52
5. Viladoms 6:23