The Off Road National Champion, António Maio, was the fastest overall at the end of the Baja Portalegre 500 first day of competition. The Yamaha rider signed the best times in the Prologue, as well as in SS2, finishing the day with a 13,7 seconds advantage over Luís Oliveira. A short margin which anticipates an interesting fight for the glory at the Baja Portalegre, with Oliveira aiming his third consecutive win.
However, celebrations will be reserved for Maio, since he has already ensured the National Title after Sebastian Buhler’s crash in SS2.
Third overall is Mário Patrão. The six times winner of the Baja Portalegre is 2:44 minutes adrift from the first.
“My objective was the title, which I have already ensured,” said Maio. “But this was not the way I wanted to do it. I hope Sebastian is ok and I whish him a swift recovery. As far as the Baja itself, and with the championship settled, I am going to try and win for the sixth time.”
Borrego rules among ATV's
Roberto “Beto” Borrego is making a great return to competition and is a world apart among Quads. The Ponte de Sôr born rider was the fastest in the Prologue, and second in SS2, ending the loop with almost four minutes advantage over Filipe Fernandes, second overall. Closing the provisional rostrum, António Moreira is 4:20,41s adrift from Borrego.
“The event is turning out as expected. It’s a bit ruff because of the heat, and the track is very slippery. The start was quite fast, with lots of straights. I had to make a good engine management. I will push a bit more if I need,” said Borrego.
Vítor Santos climb to the lead
A poor result in the Prologue made Vítor Stantos start the Baja Portalegre 500 SS2 in 17th. However, the Can-Am driver gave it all out during the afternoon to beat all his competition. In less than 80 km he left Ruben Faria more than a minute behind him, to finish second, while David Assunção is third.
“It was a good day. Since I’ve lost a lot of time in the Prologue, I started late and had to make several overtakes. It’s very good to get to the end of the day in first,” said Vítor Santos.