Monster Energy Honda Team riders show their pace on stage one

Joan Barreda and Pablo Quintanilla got off to a fine start at the Andalucía Rally. The two
Monster Energy Honda Team riders were among the frontrunners at the end of the first
stage held today in Villamartín.

Over winding, slippery Andalucian terrain, full of tall vegetation and potential hazards, the
Monster Energy Honda Team riders were able to set a notable pace. The racing on the first
full stage played out against a backdrop of crop-filled fields, covering a total of 219
kilometres, including 177 against the clock.

Joan Barreda regained ground on the provisional race leader, whom the rider from Castellón
was quickly able to overhaul, before opening the track for the remainder of the day. Barreda
was feeling at ease aboard the #88 Honda CRF450 RALLY and went on to earn second place
some 22 seconds behind the day’s winner.

Elsewhere, Pablo Quintanilla also managed to set a swift pace, at times occupying positions
in the virtual podium standings, although he would subsequently drop several seconds that
will, however, allow him to set off from sixth starting position tomorrow. The Chilean
continues to adapt quickly to his new bike.

The second stage of the Andalucía Rally, which will take place tomorrow, Friday, is set to be
the lengthiest of the whole rally: 339 kilometres of timed special which will see the Honda
CRF450 RALLY’s odometer clock up a total of 451 kilometres before the competitors make it
back to the camp at Hacienda El Rosalejo.

JOAN BARREDA
This first stage was not very long, but nevertheless a technical one. It was tricky. The opening
kilometres weren’t easy at all, with very little grip. Also, this year the grass is very high, even
on the road, covering the ruts and making them impossible to see. We tried to set a good
pace. I have also came across some rider who had got lost and were going in the opposite
direction, so I tried to take it easy and avoid accidents. Apart from that, everything went
well. It was a good stage starting from the opening kilometres.

PABLO QUINTANILLA
We have got the first special of the race out of the way. I felt very comfortable on the bike.
The roads are somewhat dangerous and the vegetation was very high, so there was little
visibility, so I took it easy. I tried to set good pace and kept moving forward, following the
roadbook. In general, it was a good stage. Maybe I lost a bit of time at the end of the stage,
but I felt pretty comfortable and I think it was a good start to the rally.

1 LORENZO SANTOLINO SHERCO FACTORY RALLYE 01:47:28

2 JOAN BARREDA HONDA CRF450 RALLY +00: 00: 22
3 SEBASTIAN BÜHLER HERO 450 RALLY +00: 01: 00
4 FRANCO CAIMI HERO 450 RALLY +00: 01: 40
5 JACOPO CERUTTI HUSQVARNA FR 450 RALLY +00: 02: 30
6 PABLO QUINTANILLA HONDA CRF450 RALLY +00: 02: 35
7 JOAN PEDRERO GARCIA RIEJU 450 +00: 03: 55
8 MATHIEU DOVEZE KTM 450 +00: 06: 56
9 JOAQUIM RODRIGUES HERO 450 RALLY +00: 07: 14
10 RUI GONÇALVES SHERCO FACTORY RALLYE +00: 07: 24