Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Kevin Benavides has topped the timesheets on day three of the 2022 Andalucia Rally. Racing skillfully through what the organizers described as the most challenging stage of the event, the KTM 450 RALLY rider maintained his focus throughout the 284-kilometre special to clinch the win by close to two minutes. Benavides now lies second overall with one day left to race.
Action
Friday’s stage two of the Andalucia Rally was cancelled due to bad weather. With similar conditions threatening a repeat this morning, riders were glad to get the 425-kilometre stage three underway, despite a 90-minute delay.
Although quickest on stage one, Kevin Benavides was subsequently awarded a six-minute penalty for speeding, which resulted in the Argentinian setting off fourth into today’s timed special. Keen to make the most of his later start position, Benavides set about delivering a solid pace right from the start.
A small mistake before the first refuelling stop cost Kevin around one minute, motivating the 2021 Dakar Champion to make up ground over the remainder of the stage.
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Close time
Despite times being very close at the midway point of the special, with the top seven riders separated by less than two minutes, Benavides was able to steadily close in on the leader, clawing back time to take the win by one minute and 50 seconds ultimately.
The result elevates the Red Bull KTM rider to second place in the provisional overall rally standings, less than three minutes down on the leader, with just the final day of rallying left to race.
Kevin Benavides: “My second stage win of the rally, but this one was clean with no penalties! I did make a mistake early on in one of the speed zones, where I lost maybe a minute on the other guys. After realizing that at the refuelling, I knew I had to push for the rest of the stage.
I enjoyed the stage – the tracks and terrain here really suited me, and I felt comfortable on the bike all day, even when racing over the different types of ground. In the end, I had a good day and was finally able to win a stage officially. I’m lying second overall now, which is excellent.
And even though it’s a slightly shorter day tomorrow, anything can happen in the rally, so I’ll try to stay focused and hopefully come out with a strong finish.”
The Andalucia Rally continues tomorrow with the fourth and final stage, totalling 400 kilometres with a short timed special of 100 kilometres.
Provisional Results – 2022 Andalucia Rally, Stage 3
- 1. Kevin Benavides (ARG), KTM, 3:46:32
- 2. Adrien Van Beveren (FRA), Honda, 3:48:22 +1:50
- 3. Luciano Benavides (ARG), Husqvarna, 3:49:35 +3:03
- 4. Ricky Brabec (USA), Honda, 3:50:30 +3:58
- 5. Lorenzo Santolino (ESP), Sherco, 3:51:12 +4:40
Provisional Standings – 2022 Andalucia Rally (after 3 of 4 stages)
- 1. Adrien Van Beveren (FRA), Honda, 8:33:55
- 2. Kevin Benavides (ARG), KTM, 8:36:53 +2:58
- 3. Luciano Benavides (ARG), Husqvarna, 8:39:01 +5:06
- 4. Lorenzo Santolino (ESP), Sherco, 8:44:50 +10:55
- 5. Sam Sunderland (GBR), GASGAS, 8:45:27 +11:32
