Gabriel “Tomate” Soares takes Stage 2 victory as Yamaha IMS Rally Team maintains dominance in Overall, Moto 1, Moto 2, and Moto Over classes
The 2025 Rally Jalapão continued on Tuesday, June 17, with Stage 2 running from Mateiros to São Félix do Jalapão, in the state of Tocantins. The stage covered 240.58 km in total, including 190.42 km of timed special. Once again, the Yamaha IMS Rally Team came out on top, taking the Overall win and securing victories in the Moto 1, Moto 2, and Moto Over categories.
Leading the overall standings in this 11th edition of the Rally Jalapão, Gabriel “Tomate” Soares, from Minas Gerais, had the tough job of opening the stage. Rising to the challenge, he pushed his Yamaha WR450F to the limit, earning another win in both the Overall and Moto 1 classifications and extending his lead in the competition. With strong performances in the first two stages, Soares — who already led the Brazilian Rally Raid Championship in Moto 1 — now also moves into the lead overall in the national championship standings.
Gabriel Bruning had more reasons to celebrate. The rider from Santa Catarina — Overall winner of the 2022 Rally Jalapão — was the fastest in Moto 2 and took third overall in Stage 2. The result extends his Moto 2 lead and moves him up to third in the Overall classification after two days of racing.
Ricardo “Bob” Martins faced a tough stage full of sand but maintained his perfect season. Riding his Yamaha Ténéré 700, the three-time Rally Jalapão champion claimed another win in Moto Over. Martins now has nine consecutive wins in the Brazilian Rally Raid Championship and continues to extend his lead in the category.
On Wednesday, June 18, riders return to the sands of the Jalapão Desert for a 161.39 km timed special. The stage will start and finish in São Félix do Jalapão, following a loop format covering a total of 191.79 km.
GABRIEL “TOMATE” SOARES – Moto 1 – Yamaha WR450F
“It was a really good day! I started the special with a solid pace and stayed focused, especially on navigation. Since I was opening the stage, I really concentrated on the roadbook and managed to balance navigation and riding well. I felt very comfortable leading the pack, focusing on the notes, which helped me set my own pace without following anyone’s tracks. The bike was flawless and the team did an amazing job. Now it’s time to rest and get ready for Stage 3.”
GABRIEL BRUNING – Moto 2 – Yamaha WR450F
“Today was tough. I didn’t sleep well and had a fever overnight — around 102°F — with a bad cold and a stuffy nose making it hard to breathe. Early in the stage, I had equipment issues and lost all navigation for about 70 or 80 km. I managed to fix it and finished the rest of the special, though I was still feeling weak, especially in the last 20 km. It was a day of pushing through, but I’m okay. I got third overall, really close to second place, and won my category. Tomate also took the win.”
RICARDO “BOB” MARTINS – Moto Over – Yamaha Ténéré 700
“All in all, it was a good day. I rode most of the stage without navigation, but I’m amazed at how well the bike handles the sand! It’s a heavier bike, and the gap between me and the guys on lighter, purpose-built race bikes isn’t that big. I’m seriously impressed — the bike is performing incredibly well, and today’s stage was full of sand! So far, it’s come through without a scratch. There’s still two more sandy days ahead, but we’ll keep pushing hard. We’re working toward arriving strong at Rally dos Sertões, and we want to deliver a great performance there — just like we’ve been doing all season.”
Yamaha Racing Brazil
Official Yamaha Brazil Press Release
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