On the fifth day, João Ferreira achieved his first victory in the Dakar 2024 in SSV, by winning the fourth stage. In the Challenger category, Eryk Goczal was the fastest again, after being beaten for the first time yesterday.
Starting with the less powerful SSV (T4), Ferreira and Filipe Palmeiro (Can-Am Factory Team) brought the Portuguese flag to the highest place of the stage. The duo took the lead for the first time at kilometer 82 and never left it. In the end, Palmeiro surpassed yesterday’s winner, Yasir Seaidan (MMP/BRP), by 2m48s. The Saudi driver was penalized by 20 seconds. Xavier de Soultrait (Sébastien Loeb Racing Bardahl Team/Polaris) finished third.
Although he was only eighth in the stage, Gerard Farres Guell (South Racing Can-Am) remains at the top of the overall standings in the category, now 14m33s ahead of Jérôme de Sadeleer (MMP/BRP). Rodrigo Varela (Team BBR/BRP) returned to the podium positions in third, and with the victory, Ferreira/Palmeiro climbed to seventh.
As for the Challengers, Eryk Goczal (Energylandia Rally Team/Taurus) was the dominant force in the stage, reacting in the best way to yesterday’s setback. The Polish driver beat his teammate Michal Goczal by a clear 6m10s, while Ignacio Casale (X-Raid Yamaha Supported Team) finished third and Marek Goczal (Energylandia Rally Team/Taurus) finished fourth. Ricardo Porém (MMP/BRP) achieved the fifth fastest time.
With another victory, Eryk Goczal greatly extended his lead in the overall standings, now being 30m55s ahead of Marek Goczal. Mitchell Guthrie (Taurus Factory Team) remains in third position, despite only achieving the tenth fastest time on a day when he had to open the stage after yesterday’s win. Porém remains the best Portuguese driver, in 12th place.
Top ten of Stage 4 (Challenger):
Top ten of the overall standings (Challenger):
Top ten of Stage 4 (SSV):
Top ten of the overall standings (SSV):
