The fourth stage of the Desafío Ruta 40 brought with it good results for the Monster Energy Honda Team. Despite opening the track, Paulo Gonçalves minimized the handicap and managed to finish the day on the podium. Brabec was fourth on the penultimate stage.

In spite of the hindrance of having to open the field, as the Desafío Ruta 40 reached its fourth day, Paulo Gonçalves was able to maintain a swift pace high in the mountains linking Tinogasta and Villa Unión. In doing so the rider was able to keep the aspirations of his pursuing rivals firmly in check. The Portuguese rider of the Monster Energy Honda Team managed to finish the longest special of the Ruta 40 in a very healthy third position on the day, conceding a mere four minutes to the second placed adversary in the overall standings. As a consequence, Paulo continues to lead the race with just one day to go, and has an advantage of almost three and a half minutes over the nearest rival. The Portuguese rider will now endeavour to maintain the gap at the head of the leader board in tomorrow’s final stage as the race concludes in San Juan.

Ricky Brabec climbed positions in the overall rankings with a fine ride in spite of the bitterly cold conditions that were far from the Californian’s liking. Brabec finished with the fourth best time of the day and tomorrow will seek to secure the fifth spot he currently occupies in the overall standings.

Tomorrow sees the final stage, which will be battle over very varied terrain taking in mountain track, sand filled river bed and high speed off-piste. The stage includes 200 kilometres of timed special out of a total 447-kilometre stage. The start will take place in Villa Union with the rally wrapping up in San Juan.

Paulo Goncalves 4

STAGE: 3rd OVERALL: 1st

Today we had a very long stage, 360 kilometres with a lot of rivers, loads of rocks and some fast track too. I started first and I tried to keep a good pace and not miss anything while navigating. I think I've done pretty well because I didn’t drop much time, so I’m happy about that. We have the most important day still ahead, especially given today’s result. I will try and not make any mistakes and will be focused from the start of the special until the final flag.

Ricky Brabec 11

STAGE: 4th OVERALL: 5th

Today started out really cold. I don’t really do well in the cold weather. Today was difficult all day. This morning riding in the rocks with frozen hands was really tough for me. I’m still cold now even when we are done. I’m glad that the stage went really well. We’re ready to push for the last day tomorrow.

2018 Cross-Country Rallies
Stage Round FIM-4 , Stage 4   Ruta40

Provisional results Stage 4

Pos. Rider Num Nation Team Constructor Time/Gap
1 Walkner Matthias AUT Red Bull KTM Rally Factory Team KTM 4:24'13
2 Price Toby AUS Red Bull KTM Rally Factory Team KTM +2'50
3 Goncalves Paulo 4 POR Monster Energy Honda HRC Honda +4'07
4 Brabec Ricky 11 USA Monster Energy Honda HRC Honda +5'59
5 Quintanilla Pablo CHI Husqvarna Factory Rally Team Husqvarna +7'46
6 Nosiglia Daniel 19 BOL Team Nosiglia KTM +23'19
7 Benavides Luciano ARG KTM Factory Racing Team KTM +42'15
8 Nosiglia Walter 20 BOL Team Nosiglia KTM +53'39
9 Santolino Lorenzo SPA Sherco TVS Rally Factory Sherco +55'00
10 Duplessis Martín 16 ARG Honda Argentina - MEC Team Honda +1:00'22
2018 Cross-Country Rallies
Stage Round FIM-4 , Stage 4   Ruta40

Provisional standings after Stage 4

Pos. Rider Num Nation Team Constructor Time/Gap
1 Goncalves Paulo 4 POR Monster Energy Honda HRC Honda 15:05'37
2 Price Toby AUS Red Bull KTM Rally Factory Team KTM +3'28
3 Walkner Matthias AUT Red Bull KTM Rally Factory Team KTM +4'45
4 Quintanilla Pablo CHI Husqvarna Factory Rally Team Husqvarna +4'52
5 Brabec Ricky 11 USA Monster Energy Honda HRC Honda +46'12
6 Benavides Luciano ARG KTM Factory Racing Team KTM +1:14'24
7 Nosiglia Daniel 19 BOL Team Nosiglia KTM +1:41'55
8 Santolino Lorenzo SPA Sherco TVS Rally Factory Sherco +1:44'51
9 Nosiglia Walter 20 BOL Team Nosiglia KTM +3:34'19
10 Ontiveros Alberto 23 ARG San Juan Gobierno Rally Team Beta +4:06'45
Location Information

The Desafio Ruta 40, gets installed in the global sporting context as a premium brand. More than a simple velocity race, like every Cross Country Rally, the Desafio Ruta 40 is an adventure that requires competitors other capacities that goes beyond speed to reach the goal faster. Desafio Ruta 40… read more.

San Rafael, Mendoza, Argentina - View in Google Maps