The Repsol rider takes the victory with a comfortable advantage of more than 13 minutes
Marc Coma was proclaimed today winner of the Rally of Morocco, fourth scoring round of the Cross-Country Rally World Cup. Due to the tragic death of Henri Magne, co-driver to Nani Roma at the Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart, the Spanish rider, who took his third victory in this seasons World Cup decided not to make any kind of celebration.
After the draw made yesterday to determine the starting order of the top five riders, Coma started in fourth position, ahead of team mate, Jordi Viladoms. The KTM Repsol rider managed to increase his advantage over Despres, who finished second overall, by an additional minute. Coma finished the last leg in second position, three minutes behind Esteve.
Team mate Jordi Viladoms finished the loop stage around Ouarzazate in seventh position. The KTM Repsol rookie was finally sixth in the overall standings of the Morocco Rally, a position with which the Spanish rider is happy considering that he is still in his adaptation and training period in these kinds of races.
Marc Coma: This stage has been very similar to yesterday’s stage, with a lot of mountains, rather enduro-like…maybe a bit faster, but we’ve also had to work hard. We wanted this stage to be a pure formality, without any navigation or mechanical problems. The bike has worked very well. As usual with a new bike, there are still a few changes to be made. The team has also worked perfectly well. Henri Magnes accident has filled us with deep sadness. Its terrible to live moments like this, but we all know what we do when we are here. I personally think that if ever something so serious has to happen to me; I prefer it to happen in a rally than on a normal road. I think that these are the moments when we must have our feet on the ground. We don’t have to get shocked. It’s been an accident with very bad luck, but now we all must help his family and try to move on. We must continue working in order to avoid these things from happening; thats all we can do.
Jordi Viladoms: My aim for today was trying to get Francisco López, but I quickly noticed that it would be complicated because the track was filled with holes and too technical for my bike. I had problems with the engine, air was entering from some place and it accelerated on its own. I had to stop several times to adjust the idle. In the end I opted for a more conservative pace, because today was not the day to catch López. Despite the problems with the engine, my position is good. Im happy with how things have worked out in this rally.
Standings
SS9: 222 km
1. I.Esteve (KTM) 3h14’50”
2. M.Coma (KTM) 3h18’00”
3. C.Despres (KTM) 3h18’59”
4. D.Casteu (KTM) 3h20’11”
5. F.Lopez (Honda) 3h26’39″0
6. J.Viladoms (KTM) 3h28’11″0
Overall
1. M.Coma (KTM) 16h27’20”
2. C.Despres (KTM) 16h40’24”
3. D.Casteu (KTM) 16h51’16”
4. I.Esteve (KTM) 17h39’05”
5. F.Lopez (Honda) 17h46’01”
6. J.Viladoms (KTM) 17h51’30”
