Coma Second Overall and Satisfied at Sardegna Rally Race
OutdoorHub 06.12.14
KTM factory rider Marc Coma came away with a solid second overall in the Sardegna Rally Race when the five-day rally concluded on Thursday to take over the points lead in the FIM World Cross Countries Rally Championship.
Coma of Spain, sponsored by Red Bull who sacrificed some time in the marathon stage Tuesday due to difficulties with his navigation device, said he was very satisfied with his result. The rally was won by local Italian rider Alessandro Botturi, a very experienced enduro rider.
“It was not a perfect rally,” he said. “But we are concentrating on the World Championship title and I am happy to now be in the points lead before going to the next round in Brazil at the end of August. I had a good feeling this week and the bike was fantastic.” In keeping with the enduro style nature of the Sardegna Rally, Coma rode a KTM 450 EXC machine.
The multi Dakar Rally winner for the KTM factory team, was the leader after Day One then conceded two places in the overall standings after Day 2 the first part of the marathon, during which he had problems with his navigation equipment. He rounded up his week with two overall second places.
KTM factory teammate Ruben Faria of Portugal, also sponsored by Red Bull finished overall eighth. The third member of the factory team, Jordi Viladoms had to retire after the first day after bruising his hand after a close encounter with a tree during one of the timed specials.
The next round of the World Cross Countries Rally Championship is the Rallye do Sertoes in Brazil August 21-30, 2014.
More on the Sardegna Rally Race at http://www.bikevillage.it
Final Overall results
1, Alessandro Botturi, ITA, Husqvarna 15:11.05
2, Marc Coma, ESP, KTM, at 7 minutes 44
3, Gerrard Farres, ESP Gas-Gas at 4.37
4, Paolo Goncalves, POR Honda at 22.50
5, Andrea Mancini, ITA, Beta, 25.54
Other KTM
8, Ruben Faria, POR, KTM at 35.35
Stage Result (eighth timed special 120 km)
1, Joan Pedrero, ESP Sherco 1:56.38
2, Farres
3, Olivier Pain, FRA, Yamaha
4, Coma, KTM, at 2:08
5, Armand KTM
Other KTM
7, Faria
Stage Result (ninth and final timed special 50 km)
1, Goncalves 49 minutes 07
2, Coma at 58 seconds
3, Farres
4, Pain
5, Armand
Other KTM
7, Faria
