Baja Aragon 2021: Monster Energy Can-Am Team's Farrés and Monleón finish fourth in Baja Spain Aragón

Spanish driver Gerard Farrés returned to action for the first time since the Dakar Rally in January to guide his Monster Energy Can-Am Maverick to fourth position in Baja Spain Aragón, round five of the 2021 FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Bajas

The 42-year-old teamed up with fellow countryman Armand Monleón to set the second, third and sixth quickest times on three demanding selective sections that made up the route of the Spanish event that was held in punishing heat across remote barren and varied terrain in the vast Aragón region around the town of Teruel.

But the time loss with two flat tyres on the final stage cost the Monster Energy driver a potential win and he duly slipped from the lead to fourth place behind South Racing Can-Am rivals, Alexandre Ré and Meshari Al-Thefiri, and Jerôme de Sadeleer. He eventually reached the finish 9min 44sec adrift of the winner and a mere 32 seconds off second place.

“The feeling was good today and better than yesterday,” said Farres. “Yesterday, was my first race for six months after the Dakar. I had more speed and confidence today.”

Monster Can-Am Team principal Scott Abraham said: 

“Gerard and Armand were on the pace for the entire event. Unfortunately, two late punctures put them on the back foot on the last stage. It was a strong performance, nevertheless. The team worked great to finish fourth overall and first in the Spanish Championship.”

Support for the Monster Energy Can-Am Team came from Method Wheels, Tensor Tires, Motul, J.Juan Brake Systems, Bell, Lazer and OMP.

2021 Baja Spain Aragón – FIA T4 result
1. Alexandre Ré (PRT)/Pedro Ré (PRT) South Racing Can-Am Maverick - 7hr 10min 35sec
2. Meshari Al-Thefiri (KWT)/Nasser Al-Kuwari (QAT) South Racing Can-Am Maverick - 7hr 19min 47sec
3. Jerôme De Sadeleer (CHE)/Michael Metge (FRA) Can-Am Maverick - 7hr 19min 52sec
4. Gerard Farrés (ESP)/Armand Monleón (ESP) Monster Energy Can-Am Maverick - 7hr 20min 19sec
5. Molly Taylor (AUS)/Dennis Zenz (DEU) South Racing Can-Am Maverick -  7hr 20min 59sec
6. Rokas Baciuška (LIT)/Mindaugas Lelys (LIT) South Racing Can-Am Maverick - 7hr 30min 12sec
7. Miguel Valero (ESP)/Jacqueline Ricci (ESP) Can-Am Maverick - 7hr 30min 54sec
8. Gaël Queralt (ESP)/Marc Solà (ESP) Can-Am Maverick  - 7hr 34min 20sec
9. Kees Koolen (NLD)/Pedro Santos (PRT) South Racing Can-Am Maverick - 7hr 35min 24sec
10. Amerigo Ventura (ITA)/Angelo Montico (ITA) Yamaha YXZ 1000 R - 7hr 36min 43sec, etc

Source Monster Enegery Can-Am Team