Paulo Goncalves showed a highly concentrated performance on the penultimate day of the Sardinia Rally, the third round of the 2013 FIM Cross Country Rally World Championship. The Portuguese is now placed runner-up in the overall standings.
Tuesday offered the longest special stage of the whole event. And without a doubt it was a true offroad test.
The way from Arborea to Sa Itria provided very fast sections, trial-like segments, up and downhills and, once again, seriously demanding navigation. Paulo remained in full control of the day´s challenges and managed to avoid mistakes. The 34-year-old finished the day in third, some 30 seconds behind stage winner Marc Coma. The Catalan rider is also occupying the overall lead. Goncalves´ excellent position in the race is meanwhile a result of his steady and faultless rides since the rally started on Friday.
The closing stage on Wednesday will finally decide the outcome. Suprises are still possible on the last 333 kilometres towards the finish in San Teodoro, where the winner will be celebrated at the seafront. The special stage is going to be another long one, covering a 200-km distance alone.
Paulo Goncalves: "A great stage. I am very happy with the result. Tomorrow I will give it all to at least defend my position."
Results Stage 4:
1. Coma (ESP, KTM) 3:54:43 hrs
2. Mancini (ITA, Beta) 3:54:54
3. Paulo Goncalves (PRT, Honda) 3:55:21
4. Pedrero Garzia (ESP, Beta) 3:56:52
5. Miquel (FRA, Yamaha) 3:57:42
Overall standings after Stage 4:
1. Coma (ESP, KTM) 12:10:00 hrs
2. Paulo Goncalves (PRT, Honda) +00:09:36
3. Despres (FRA, Yamaha) +00:09:48
4. Pedrero Garzia (ESP, Beta) +00:10:40
5. Ceci (ITA, Yamaha) +00:11:12
- Speedbrain's Official Press Release
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