Hero MotoSports Team Rally has started its first international rally of the year, the
Merzouga Rally 2018, on a positive note with both the riders delivering a steady first stage
on Monday.
Oriol Mena, the first of the two riders to start the stage, rode solid from the beginning,
tackling the tricky navigation to finish at 11 th position, in the stage as well as overall
rankings.
Teammate C S Santosh also made a cautious and steady start to his Merzouga campaign and
brought the bike home safely, overcoming the navigation challenge to finish at 20 th place in
the stage and overall rankings.
Stage 1 comprised of just over 200 kms of two loops. The first part of the stage tested the
riders with relatively complicated navigation leading onto the second loop that offered
dunes, sand and water zones.
Stage 2 on Tuesday will make a run of 175 kms in the region of Erg Chhabbi with the
difficulty levels being tuned up a notch. The stage is expected to be fast but at the same time
require physical toughness with tougher navigation as well.
Provisional Results for the Stage 1
1. Joan Barreda Boat Honda Racing 03h 15m 58s
2. Franco Caimi Yamaha Racing +08m 03s
3. Ricky Brabec Honda Racing +11m 25s
11. Oriol Mena Hero MotoSports +28m 15s
20. C S Santosh Hero MotoSports +58m 52s
Overall Provisional Results at the end of Stage 1
1. Joan Barreda Boat Honda Racing 03h 15m 58s
2. Franco Caimi Yamaha Racing +08m 03s
3. Ricky Brabec Honda Racing +11m 25s
11. Oriol Mena Hero MotoSports +28m 15s
20. C S Santosh Hero MotoSports +58m 52s
Source : Hero
