With Franco Caimi winning the first part of the two-day-long marathon stage and teammate Xavier de Soultrait placing as runner-up to increase his gap at the top of the provisional overall standings, Yamalube Yamaha Official Rally Team riders were in dominant form during today's stage four at the Afriquia Merzouga Rally 2017.
Going from strength-to-strength at this year's event, Yamaha's official representatives enjoyed a great day of racing in the Moroccan dunes. As the second rider to start the special stage, Yamalube Yamaha Official Rally Team rookie Franco Caimi was on top form throughout the day. Remaining fast while avoiding costly mistakes the Argentinean topped the day's standings to claim his first stage victory aboard Yamaha machinery.
Battling for the stage victory for a fourth consecutive day, Xavier de Soultrait finished a little less than two minutes behind his Yamalube Yamaha Official Rally Team partner, thus settling for the runner-up position on stage four of the rally. Continuing his impressive run aboard the latest edition of Yamaha's WR450F Rally machine, the Frenchman is now leading the provisional overall standings with a gap of more than six minutes to his closest challenger.
Successfully battling his way through a demanding stage four, Alessandro Botturi brought his Yamaha machine home in eighth position. With two stages remaining at this year's Merzouga Rally, the Yamaha Italy supported rider is currently placed fifth in the overall standings.
With all three Yamaha riders reaching the marathon bivouac without any issues, they had a limited amount of time to prepare their bikes for stage five. Taking riders back to Erfoud, tomorrow's stage will be the second and last part of this year's marathon stage at the Merzouga Rally.
Merzouga Rally 2017 - Stage 4 - Provisional Classification
1. Franco Caimi (ARG), Yamaha, 03:16:26
2. Xavier de Soultrait (FRA), Yamaha, 03:18:23, +01:57
3. Gerard Farrés (ESP), KTM, 03:19:49, +03:23
4. Juan Pedrero (ESP), Sherco, 03:20:50, +04:24
5. Joaquim Rodrigues (POR), Hero, 03:24:46, +08:20
6. Mario Patrao (POR), KTM, 03:25:52, +09:26
8. Alessandro Botturi (ITA), Yamaha, 03:29:13, +12:47
Merzouga Rally 2017 - Overall Classification [After Stage 4]
1. Xavier de Soultrait (FRA), Yamaha, 10:36:18
2. Gerard Farres (ESP), KTM, 10:42:25, +06:07
3. Franco Caimi (ARG), Yamaha, 10:54:29, +18:11
4. Juan Pedrero (ESP), Sherco, 111:11:11, +34:53
5. Alessandro Botturi (ITA), Yamaha, 11:15:02, +38:44
6. Jacopo Cerutti (ITA), Husqvarna, 11:24:04, +47:46
