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Sertões 2024: Moraes extends Sertoes lead with clean run on Stage 5
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s Lucas Moraes and co-driver Kaíque Bentivoglio continued their impressive run at the 2024 Rally dos Sertões by securing another stage victory, this time in Stage 5. The duo, racing in the Toyota GR DKR Hilux #323, completed the 420 km special stage in 5h 02m 50s, finishing nearly four minutes ahead of their closest competitors and extending their overall lead in the rally.
Stage 5 marked the second leg of the marathon stage, challenging competitors with a tough 420 km route comprising narrow sandy roads, fast farm tracks, and steep mountain ascents. Despite the demanding conditions, Lucas and Kaíque delivered a flawless performance, maintaining a consistent pace throughout and avoiding any major issues.
This strong performance has reinforced their position at the top of the leaderboard, giving them a commanding 13-minute advantage over their nearest rivals. The consistency and precision of Lucas and Kaíque’s driving have been key factors in their success so far, positioning them strongly for the final stages of the rally.
The competition continues with Stage 6, which presents another gruelling challenge for all competitors. This stage will cover 418 km of timed racing through a mix of complex terrains in the area surrounding Luís Eduardo Magalhães, Bahia. The route features a combination of narrow sandy paths, fast sections through farmland, and steep mountain ascents. Competitors will also have to navigate a series of demanding “Danger 02” and “Danger 03” zones marked by cattle grids, potholes, narrow bridges, gates, creek crossings, and rocky areas.
Notable challenges in Stage 6 include several narrow bridges with tight turns and erosions, creek crossings with steps at their entrances, and dangerous cattle grids with gaps that require utmost precision from the drivers. Multiple speed control zones will also be in place, adding another layer of complexity to this already challenging route. Competitors will have to carefully manage their speed and maintain focus throughout these sections.
With a strong lead of 13 minutes in the overall standings, Lucas Moraes and Kaíque Bentivoglio aim to maintain their advantage while managing the risks inherent in this challenging stage. The Sertões Rally will continue until 31 August, culminating in Brasília, where the final stages will determine the overall winners.
Lucas Moraes: "It was a great day for us again. We had 420 km of special stage, but a clean run, and we won by almost four minutes. The car is perfect — no problems, no punctures throughout the two days of the marathon. Now, the mechanics and engineers are working on the car to get ready for the next few days. I can’t thank the team enough for delivering a great car for us to do this marathon. It’s always such an important part of the rally, and yeah, thank you so much. We’re now leading by more than 13 minutes overall."
Source: Toyota Gazoo Racing
Photo: Marcelo Maragni / Red Bull Content Pool
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