Media Information
Silk Way Rally 2018
22 July 2018
Silk Way Rally 2018, First Edition, Stage 1: Astrakhan to Astrakhan
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- Al Rajhi completes opening stage in top three.
- Nani Roma still struggling with injury following Dakar crash.
- Roma and Haro unable to continue with Silk Way Rally first edition.
Munich. The two MINI crews, contesting the first edition of
the 2018 Silk Way Rally in Russia, endured mixed fortunes in
yesterday’s first stage. For Yazeed Al Rajhi (KSA), who is more
experienced at this event, and co-pilot Timo Gottschalk (GER) it was
a strong start. The pair are ranked third overall at the end of the
first special stage in Astrakhan, having stayed within the top three
for the duration of the opening leg.
For Joan ‘Nani’ Roma (ESP) it was a more difficult day. The first
stage of Silk Way Rally 2018 signalled the first return to racing for
the Spaniard since his crash at this year’s Dakar. Despite feeling
ready to get back into competition, Roma struggled with a severe
headache and problems relating to his previously sustained neck injury.
Along with co-pilot Alex Haro (ESP), Roma was forced to make several
stops throughout the stage, due to illness, and eventually sought help
from the medical team on standby at the event. Having consulted with
the doctors, it was decided that Nani Roma should return to the
bivouac in the #103 MINI John Cooper Works Rally, driven by Haro.
Roma: “’It’s a pity but I can’t continue like this. I
still have a neck problem since my crash during last Dakar.”
The Spanish driver’s decision is likely to be a wise one, given that
the competitors will, today, face a far more gruelling marathon stage
with less access to support.
For Yazeed Al Rajhi (KSA) and Timo Gottschalk (GER), in the #104 MINI
John Cooper Works Rally, yesterday’s opening stage also had its
demands, but they were ones that the regular pairing were able to
overcome for a solid top three position. They crossed the stage finish
line in third place, 20:27 minutes behind the stage leaders.
Al Rajhi: “The first stage was very demanding as it
was very bumpy. At the beginning we sank out with the car and lost our
jack. When we later had a flat tyre, we had to find a hole so that the
rear wheel was in the air. We tried to find a good rhythm, but it
wasn’t there. Today is marathon day – that means we have to be smart
and not break anything.”
Today’s marathon stage for leg two of the seven-day race, will take
the competitors from Astrakhan to Elista, where they will stay
overnight with no support from the X-raid team and mechanics.
For further information on Silk Way Rally 2018 and the full rally
schedule please click here.
Silk Way Rally 2018: results after Stage 1