2016 Afriquia Merzouga Rally: Stage 1 Results & CS Santosh Updates

Stage 1 of the the 2016 Afriquia Merzouga Rally has concluded successfully for Hero MotoSports and both riders have completed the stage. Indian rider CS Santosh has finished stage 1 in the 17th place while teammate Joaquim Rodrigues finished the stage in the 10th place. Overall, CS Santosh is in the 23rd place while Rodrigues is in the 11th place.

Competitors raced through the dunes of the Moroccan desert with temperatures above 40 degrees celsius. The stage win was taken by Stefan Svitko astride a KTM, who also leads the overall category results.

CS Santosh was the first rider to enter the special test after an impressive performance in the prologue stage. The Indian rider experienced some navigational issues, but was very focused on completing the stage with a calm mind.

Commenting on his performance, CS Santosh said. "The rally is very, very tough. It deserves to be part of the Dakar series. You don't need a crystal ball to see that the next four days will be very challenging."

2016 Afriquia Merzouga Rally Stage 1 Results

1. Stefan Svitko (SVK) KTM
2. Helder Rodrigues (POR) Yamaha
3. Adrien van Beveren (FRA) Yamaha
4. Ricky Brabec (USA) Honda
5. Kevin Benavides (ARG) Honda

2016 Afriquia Merzouga Rally Overall Standings

1. Stefan Svitko (SVK) KTM
2. Helder Rodrigues (POR) Yamaha
3. Adrien van Beveren (FRA) Yamaha
4. Ricky Brabec (USA) Honda
5. Kevin Benavides (ARG) Honda