Note: Automatic translation
The second Dakar in Rui Gonçalves' career proved the natural aptitude of the driver in navigation competitions, with the driver from Vidago concluding the 8.375 km of race, of which 4.258 km were intensely chronometer driven, in a total of 42h00m.
In Rui Gonçalves' second participation in the race in Saudi Arabia, the Portuguese driver managed to get on the podium in the 3rd stage, concluding another stage in the "top ten", showing his driving skills in sandy surfaces and a greater experience in terms of navigation.
Rui Gonçalves: "Yesterday we had a short stage ahead of us and I knew it was important to attack from the start. I managed to be fast throughout the 163km and concluded this last stage with a 12th place.
It was a very positive Dakar as far as my performance is concerned, I learned a lot by riding with fast and experienced pilots and I think I was at my best level in this "new" modality for me, achieving remarkable results in some stages.
I was very satisfied with my evolution, but I am aware that there are always things to improve. Unfortunately, the overall classification was conditioned by some technical problems, but I'm still very happy to have reached the end with no major crashes.
Finally I would like to thank all my Sherco Racing Factory team for the work done over these two weeks as well as all the support given by you guys who are always on my side, family, friends and girlfriend. It was undoubtedly very important for me and crucial to get to the end of this Dakar Rally that sometimes challenged me a lot by putting me in extreme situations that, fortunately, I managed to overcome.
Thank you all, we are always together!"
Source: Rui Gonçalves official press release
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Automatic translation from the original Portuguese version, available on www.todoterreno.pt