Portugal, March 21, 2026 – It took four days, but EBRO Audax Motorsport finally enjoyed a stage without adverse circumstances at the Rally-Raid Portugal. This allowed Laia Sanz and Maurizio Gerini to increase their pace and bring the EBRO s800 XRR to the finish in a commendable 17th overall and 13th in the Ultimate category, 12 minutes and 29 seconds behind the stage winner. This result moved them up 11 positions in the overall car standings – to 34th place – and four positions in their category, where they now sit 16th.
Gradually, the Spanish team has been finding its rhythm in the competition after an unfortunate opening day that heavily impacted the following stages. Normality returned in Stage 4, which started in Badajoz (Spain) and finished in Loulé (Portugal), covering a total of 637 kilometres, 315 of them timed. Sanz and Gerini once again had to start far back, in 38th position, but quickly climbed through the field to spend most of the day inside the Top 20.
“Today was a good day. It’s not that we were flying, but at least we didn’t have to stop and were able to maintain a consistent pace. Even so, we were cautious, because there were many narrow sections where you could ruin everything,” said the 20-time world champion.
“It’s a pity that the race is already coming to an end, but it’s been a great training experience. The terrain is very tricky and it’s a constant learning process. I take that with me, and the fact that I’m feeling better and better on this type of terrain with the EBRO s800 XRR. Today was a very tough stage, more suited to the Challenger and SSV categories. There were some fast sections, but overall it was very twisty, with many narrow passages where, due to the size of the car, it was difficult to get through. In the end, I think we did a good job, so I’m happy,” she added.
Tomorrow, Sunday, the fifth and final stage will take place in the Algarve. It will consist of a total of 288 kilometres and two selective sectors totalling 101 kilometres. The second will be a short 2-kilometre super special stage in Loulé, which will bring the second round of the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) to a close.
Source: EBRO Audax Motorsport
Foto: Todoterreno.pt / ImagensDesportivas.pt
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