Pablo Quintanilla Secures Runner-Up Result On Stage Three Of Desafio Ruta 40

Enjoying a great day aboard the FR 450 Rally machine, Pablo Quintanilla has claimed a solid runner-up result on stage three of the Desafio Ruta 40 rally in Argentina. Two stages before the finish of the event in Tucumán, the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider is 16 minutes behind a provisional top three final result.

Involving demanding navigation and contested in sandy off-piste tracks, today’s special stage was one more challenge towards the finish of this year’s Desafio Ruta 40 rally. Remaining fast and avoiding costly mistakes, Pablo completed the special stage two minutes behind the stage winner.

With two stages to go at the 2017 Desafio Ruta 40, the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Rally star is still in contention for the overall podium.

Tomorrow’s stage four of of the Desafio Ruta 40 will take riders further north in Argentina. Starting from Belén competitors will have to complete a total of 535km to reach the finish in Tafí del Valle. The day’s timed special is 309km-long.

Pablo Quintanilla: “I had a good day and I’m glad we’re moving towards the right direction. The special stage today was quite demanding. It was exhausting for the body and also the mind. More than 80% of the timed special took place on off-piste tracks so I had to be extra careful not to make mistakes. Overall, it’s been a good stage for me. I got a fast pace right from the start and kept my momentum until the end. My bike is also running great and that’s an advantage in these tough conditions. For the last two stages I will do my best to avoid navigational mistakes. My race pace is good right now so anything could happen these last two days of the rally.”

Desafio Ruta 40 – Stage 3 Provisional Classification
1. Paulo Goncalves (Honda) 4:17:29
2. Pablo Quintanilla (Husqvarna) 4:19:33
3. Ricky Brabec (Honda) 4:19:37
4. Michael Metge (Honda) 4:20:30
5. Kevin Benavides (Honda) 4:20:34
6. Xavier de Soultrait (Yamaha) 4:27:28

2017 Desafio Ruta 40 – Provisional Overall Classification [After Stage 3]
1. Paulo Goncalves (Honda) 12:04:58
2. Kevin Benavides (Honda) 12:07:15
3. Xavier de Soultrait (Yamaha) 12:34:16
4. Pablo Quintanilla (Husqvarna) 12:50:54
5. Ricky Brabec (Honda) 13:02:26
6. Martin Duplessis (KTM) 13:23:47