After three stages run around Aoufous, the competitors headed north back to Fez where the rally started from last 3 October.
The last selective section of 168 kilometres resulted in the victory of Andrew Short (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Team) in the FIM bike category, Giniel De Villiers (Toyota Gazoo Racing) in the FIA car category, Xavier Flick (Sherco TVS Rally Factory) in Enduro Cup Afriquia, Casey Currie (Monster Energy Can-Am) in the SSV Maroc Telecom category, Jaroslav Valtr (Valtr Racing Team) in Open trucks and Jean-Antoine Sabatier (Bugga’One) in Open cars.
Today’s 456 kilometres long stage was the same for all the categories. After having left the bivouac in Aoufous very early in the morning, the Rallye du Maroc competitors covered a first 214 kilometres liaison to reach the start of the special near Midelt.
The selective section comprised of 168 kilometres, starting across valleys and plains before a 60 kilometre mountain section and a finish in the forest just outside Ifrane. The competitors ended their 2019 Rallye du Maroc with a 74 kilometre liaison to reach Fez, where the prizegiving ceremony awaited them at the Hotel Marriott.
FIM BIKES-QUADS: SHORT AHEAD OF QUINTANILLA AND BARREDA
Separated by just 28 seconds this morning at the start of the last selective section, Andrew Short (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Team) and Pablo Quintanilla (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Team) fought an epic battle throughout the day, taking it in turns to lead the virtual overall classifications. I
n the end it was Andrew Short (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Team), this morning’s leader, who wins the 2019 Rallye du Maroc by just 1’21’’ ahead of Pablo Quintanilla (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Team). In the process the American takes his first win on a round of an FIM World Championship, a victory achieved with a minimum of drama and a maximum of regularity.
The third place on the final podium was also fiercely contested, with Joan Barreda (Monster Energy Honda Team) managing to hold onto his third place overall by just 7’’, to the detriment of Toby Price (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), winner of two stages on this Rallye du Maroc, including today’s.
On the day’s stage the Australian headed home Joan Barreda (Monster Energy Honda Team) by 2’54’’ with Luciano Benavides third (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) at 3’10”.
In the quads Ignacio Casale (Drag’on) won the Rallye du Maroc ahead of Rafal Sonik (Sonik Team) by 29’52”, today’s stage winner, and Kamil Wisnieski (Wisnieski Team) by 1h08’15”. Clearly the Chilean is feeling very at home with his new team and bike.
FIA: FOURTH VICTORY FOR DE VILLIERS
Giniel De Villiers (Toyota Gazoo Racing) takes in Fez his fourth Rallye du Maroc. Already a winner aboard a Nissan and a Volkswagen, the South African now hands a victory to Toyota. Carlos Sainz (X-Raid John Cooper Works Team), long time fighting with Giniel De Villiers for the final victory, saw his chances evaporate right at the end of the special when he lost the water out of his cooling system.
Towed into the finish by Jakub Przygonski (Orlen Team / X-Raid), the Spanish driver saved his second place overall 17’42’’ behind Giniel De Villiers (Toyota Gazoo Racing). Mathieu Serradori (SRT Racing Team), initially classified third was disqualified by the FIA stewards because his car didn’t conform to their weight regulations. Jacub Przygonski (Orlen Team / W-Raid) therefore moves up to third place on the podium at 58’27’’.
Fernando Alonso (Toyota Gazoo Racing) finishes his first international rally in 26th place. Handicapped by mechanical problems throughout the rally, the Spanish champion is already plotting his next moves.
Toyota filled the first four places on the day’s stage. Giniel De Villiers (Toyota Gazoo Racing) takes his only victory on this 2019 Rallye du Maroc, ahead Bernhard Ten Brinke (Toyota Gazoo Racing) at 26’’, Yazeed Al-Rajhi (Overdrive Racing) at 1’17’’ and Erik Van Loon (Overdrive Racing) at 2’39’’.
Stéphane Peterhansel did what he had to do today. Well placed to win the FIA Cross-Country Rallies World Cup following the retirement of Nasser Al-Attiyah (Toyota Gazoo Racing), the Frenchman needed to finish at least fifth overall to be sure to be crowned. « Monsieur Dakar » did just that, finishing fourth overall to win the precious trophy for the first time.