João Monteiro is a two-time Portuguese Cross Nation Champion, the reigning FIM European Bajas SSV champion, and was the best-finishing rookie on the Dakar Rally in January when he completed thirteenth within the Challenger class. When the World Rally-Raid Championship arrived in Portugal for the BP Final Rally-Raid, he was greater than able to defend his dwelling turf.
Normally a tyre supervisor for South Racing Can-Am, he represented the workforce effectively as he received the SSV class by main the general and ending on the rostrum in all 5 phases. On his worst day in Stage #4, he made an error that prompted him to lose a minute however nonetheless completed third and only a minute behind stage winner Ricardo Ramilo.
His first and second within the first two phases additionally earned him the T4 win on the CPTT aspect, held along with the W2RC. The win continues a streak of SSV race winners who will not be registered for the W2RC, becoming a member of Xavier de Soultrait (Dakar Rally) and Mansour Al-Helei (Abu Dhabi Desert Problem).
“We enter every race with the objective of successful, however in terms of a World Championship race, all the things turns into much more particular,” wrote Monteiro. “I wish to categorical my gratitude to the workforce for the superb automobile they offered me, able to face every stage. An enormous thanks to my sponsors, whose help was important for us to be right here. To my household, who has all the time been by my aspect, and to the heat and unconditional help of all of the followers all through nowadays, my honest thanks.
“I’m actually comfortable!”
Ramilo battled with Yasir Seaidan to be the highest W2RC-eligible driver. Seaidan, the factors chief getting into the race, received Stage #2 however retired the following day with a mechanical failure. With Rebecca Busi the following highest points-earning driver however forty-one minutes behind, Ramilo merely wanted to finish the ultimate two phases with out difficulty to safe most factors within the standings; not solely did he obtain this, however he did so in model by successful each legs.
Though too far again to catch Monteiro for the outright win, Ramilo strikes from eighth to 3rd within the SSV standings. Sebastián Guayasamín, who additionally exited Stage #3 for automobile issues however managed to proceed the race, stays second and narrows the hole to Seaidan from 59 to 37 factors.
SSV regulars João Ferreira and Eduard Pons opted to maneuver as much as the Final class for Portugal, whereas Sara Worth is sitting out many of the season on account of an absence of funding. Worth’s absence made Busi the one feminine driver within the class for the occasion, and he or she loved her finest race end of second amongst W2RC registrants.
SSV general outcomes
SSV stage winners
W2RC SSV standings
For readability, opponents registered for the championship who haven’t earned factors are excluded.
