The second stage was expected to be the longest adventure of the event, but was reduced from 493 kilometres to 339, of which 280 were timed. The timed sections were also divided into two separate specials with the first being 150 kilometres long, and the second 130.
The first half of the stage provided many challenges due to minimal grip, while the second half opened up and provided more speed, traction and flow. With a marathon journey ahead, Eric de Seynes and Camelia Liparoti focused on minimizing errors while maintaining speed and consistency, particularly during the first half of the stage, which proved incredibly slippery and complex.
After successfully piloting the YXZ1000R prototype through the technically challenging first special stage, the landscape proved more predictable in the second, with more traction and higher speeds that better suited the YXZ1000R prototype’s top-end gearing. The Yamaha pairing were able to finish on the verge of the top-10 in the T3 category.
The Franco Sport YXZ1000R drivers endured a mixed second stage in the SSV Open class. Manuel and Pedro Breyner enjoyed another solid day on the Spanish landscape finishing 11th place. At the same time, teammates Mario Franco and Nuno Guilherme suffered a rear driveshaft failure upon approach to the first fuel stop. Despite the challenge of navigating stage with front wheel drive only, the Franco sport pairing were able to make it to the finish in a creditable 13th place.
The penultimate stage of the Andalucía Rally will take place today, Saturday 15th May. It will feature as the third stage and will consist of 298 kilometers of timed special.
Results remain provisional.
