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11 minutes in the past | Phrases: Andy Wigan | Pictures: KTM Photos, Rally Zone
After ending runner-up within the 2023 Dakar Rally by the smallest margin within the iconic occasion’s historical past, Toby Value has bounced again with a barnstorming third-place end within the current Abu Dhabi Desert Problem (ADDC) – a end result that sees the 35-yer-old Aussie take the lead of the 2023 FIM World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC).
After opening the stage on Day 4, by way of the hardest situations seen at this yr’s race, Toby Value got here into the ultimate day of the ADDC mendacity sixth Total and with a seventh-place begin place. The 2-time Dakar Champion had no possibility however to make use of the tracks left within the sand forward of him to push as arduous as he may and attempt to make up the utmost time on his rivals over the 206-kilometre timed particular. And that’s precisely what he did!
Main on time for all the stage, Value steadily elevated his benefit over the sector to in the end end near two-and-a-half minutes forward of the second-placed rider, Jose Ignacio Cornejo. That hole was essential because it was Cornejo who Value edged out of podium competition by a mere two seconds after effectively over 17 hours of racing.
Toby’s podium end result at Spherical 2, added to his runner-up end on the Dakar Rally, transfer Value into the lead of the FIM World Rally-Raid Championship standings. Nevertheless, with three rounds left to contest, there’s nonetheless a protracted strategy to go, beginning with Spherical 3 – the Sonora Rally in Mexico – from April 22-28.
Toby Value: “I needed to push actually arduous on the ultimate stage. Opening on the lengthy Day 4 actually knocked me again within the Total, such have been the situations. I knew my solely selection was to push arduous on Stage 5, and so I went as arduous as I may presumably go for the entire 206 kilometres! To solely simply make the rostrum by two seconds is loopy. It exhibits the extent of the riders in the meanwhile in rally, with the outcomes typically coming all the way down to seconds and never minutes – and I believe that’s actually good for the championship. Lastly, the bike and the entire group have been nice right here in Abu Dhabi, working so arduous to offer us the instruments we want. There’s a bit of little bit of a niche now, however then it’s on to Mexico for the subsequent spherical.”
Norbert Stadlbauer – Rally Workforce Supervisor: “Toby did an unimaginable job within the ultimate stage. We hoped for a podium, but additionally knew it might be an enormous ask on this shorter, ultimate stage. Nevertheless, Toby put in an unimaginable experience to take third place by simply two seconds – a real testomony to his talent and velocity. The race right here in Abu Dhabi has been a giant success, with the entire group doing nice work – as all the time. We’re already wanting ahead to the subsequent spherical.”
FINAL STANDINGS – ABU DHABI DESERT CHALLENGE
1. Adrien Van Beveren (FRA), Honda, 17:13:39
2. Luciano Benavides (ARG), Husqvarna, 17:17:57 +4:18
3. Toby Value (AUS), KTM, 17:18:52 +5:13
4. Jose Ignacio Cornejo (CHI), Honda, 17:18:54 +5:15
5. Ross Department (BWA), Hero, 17:19:56 +6:17
2023 FIM WORLD RALLY-RAID C’SHIP (AFTER RD 2)
1. Toby Value (AUS), KTM, 46 pts
2. Adrien Van Beveren (FRA), Honda, 42 pts
3. Kevin Benavides (ARG), KTM, 38 pts
4. Luciano Benavides (ARG), Husqvarna, 35 pts
5. Skyler Howes (USA), Husqvarna, 34 pts
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