World WRC Championship, Sardinia Rally. 4th stage
POSITIVE DAY FOR JORDI VILADOMS IN SARDINIA
The Repsol rider, who opened up the track today after yesterday's
victory, finished in ninth position
After winning yesterday's stage, Repsol rider Jordi Viladoms
took off in the fourth stage of the Sardinia Rally with the
aim of adapting to the difficulties that opening up a track
brings. His progression throughout the day was clear, after
conceding over five minutes in the first special, and just
32 seconds in the second, where he ran the second fastest
time.
Today's stage, made up of two specials of 38 and 52 kilometres
each, again consisted of a route which combined fast and slow
areas. The continuous changes of pace forced the riders to
keep their wits about them on the fast and sandy tracks in
Sardinia, as the last few month's drought has left very dry
and slippery tracks. They could not let down their guard riding
through the firebreaks either, where the rocky, steep slopes
forced the riders to make their way with extreme caution.
Viladoms took today's first special very calmly, as he was
opening up the track and did not feel confident enough to
keep up a fast pace comfortably. He endured the disadvantage
of having to open up the track, an altogether new situation
for him. After a couple of minor mistakes, he had to turn
back on each occasion, finally losing five minutes, a result
that while expected, left him slightly dissatisfied.
But during the second special, the Repsol rider took off
determined to ride concentrated on the roadbook, and managed
to reach the finish line without any mistakes, running the
second fastest time. It was one of the longest sections of
the rally, and where once again navigation was crucial, of
which all the riders who got lost on number of occasions bear
proof.
The overall balance of the day was positive according to
Viladoms, who was happy about having opened up the track throughout
the day and having made the most of the occasion. Tomorrow
is the Rally's last day, with two specials. They will be held
in the Arbatax area, where they have travelled to after a
long connection following today's second special. Afterwards,
and with another long connection to the north, the Sardinia
Rally will come to an end, when the riders reach San Teodoro.
Quote
Jordi Viladoms
“Today, in general, went well, though the first special
wasn't as good as the second. I had trouble opening up the
track, it's very different when you have to go first, you
can't see any grooves that indicate you're on the right path,
and you start to doubt.
I took it very easy and made a couple of small navigation
errors. I went out in the second special feeling more confident
and to tell the truth it went very well and I'm very happy.
It was maybe one of the most difficult stages as far as navigation
is concerned, and I didn't make any mistakes while opening
up, so I finished second. Tomorrow, as I have quite an advantage
over the next classified, and therefore have nothing to lose,
I'll try to go out there and do my best in both specials to
try and shorten the gap a bit and fight until the end.”
Official Results
>> Classification 4th Stage
1. David CASTEU (KTM) 1:44:04.25
2. Matteo GRAZIANI (KTM) a 1:17.97
3. Massimo CHIESA (KAWASAKI) a 1:52.15
4. Ruben FARIA (HONDA) 2:08.80
5. Cyril DESPRES (KTM) a 2:48.83
9. Jordi VILADOMS (REPSOL KTM) a 5:24.05
>>Classification General
1. Cyril DESPRES (KTM) 6:32:05.51
2. Matteo GRAZIANI (KTM) a 5:14.31
3. Alex ZANOTTI (APRILIA) a 6:32.61
4. Massimo CHIESA (KAWASAKI) a 7:49.57
5. Francisco LÓPEZ (KTM) a 12:11.56
7. Jordi VILADOMS (REPSOL KTM) a 17:41:47
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