Walkner's Successful Transition to Four Wheels
The 2018 Dakar motorcycle champion, Matthias Walkner, has officially made his mark in the four-wheel sector, showcasing his prowess at the Rally du Maroc. Competing for the first time with the German South Racing team alongside his new co-driver Oriol Mena, Walkner achieved a remarkable victory in the SSV category during the fourth round of the Rally Raid World Championship. This triumph comes on the heels of his earlier success at the Desafio Ruta 40 in Argentina, where he also clinched victory in the Challenger class, further solidifying his reputation as a formidable competitor in off-road racing.
During the event in the Moroccan Sahara, Walkner made his presence felt by winning three out of the five stages, demonstrating not only his driving skills but also the strategic navigation provided by Mena. The rally commenced with an opening transfer stage from the coastal town of Agadir to the oasis city of Zagora, setting the stage for four challenging loops across rocky terrain and sandy dunes. Walkner's ability to dominate these stages suggests that his overall victory was well-deserved and not merely a stroke of luck.
Challenges and Triumphs Throughout the Rally
Despite facing significant challenges during the third stage, where he lost nearly two hours to day winner Jeremias Gonzalez Ferioli due to navigation errors and tire punctures, Walkner's resilience shone through. After falling to second place in the overall standings, he nearly reclaimed the lead during the fourth stage but narrowly missed it due to a time penalty. On the final day, with Gonzalez Ferioli struggling with mechanical issues, Walkner seized the opportunity to secure the stage win against French competitor Andrea Deldossi, thereby cementing his overall victory in the event.
Walkner's performance was particularly impressive, considering that SSV buggies are limited to a maximum speed of 125 km/h, which presents a unique set of challenges compared to the top-tier vehicles. His success in this race marks a significant milestone in his 'Mission 2TO4' initiative, aimed at transitioning from two wheels to four. Commenting on his victory, Walkner expressed his excitement and relief, stating, "It was extremely cool; I had a great time! In the end, it was quite thrilling. I was unaware of Ferioli's problems and was nervous, thinking he was pushing hard to win." He also praised the performance of his vehicle and the navigation team, emphasizing their focus on the upcoming Dakar rally in January.
As reported by speedweek.com.
