Quintanilla and Brabec round out the top three in opening stage.
Image: Supplied.
Australian Toby Price (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) has completed day one of the 2019 Dakar Rally in sixth position, while it was Monster Energy Honda Team’s Joan Barreda who topped the opening stage.
The Spaniard recorded a 57m36s time in the Lima to Pisco leg, granting him a 1m34s advantage over Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Pablo Quintanilla and American ace Ricky Brabec (Monster Energy Honda Team).
The top five was completed by Adrien van Beveren (Yamalube Yamaha Official Rally Team) and Sam Sunderland (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), as reigning champion Matthias Walkner (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) wound up seventh.
Aussie Rodney Faggotter (Yamalube Yamaha Official Rally Team) was 29th at the conclusion of day one, with compatriots Ben Young (KTM) and James Ferguson (KTM) finishing up in 86th and 117th respectively.
Stage two of the Dakar Rally leaves Pisco and heads for San Juan de Marcona. The total stage distance is 553 kilometres including a tough 342-kilometre timed special.
Source: MotoOnline.com.au