TVS Racing’s Santolino Lorenzo finished the fastest for the third successive day in the Moto Group A category of the Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm, but that didn’t prevent Aaron Mare of Angata Racing from winning the overall crown (Group A & B) here on Friday. Lorenzo had to be content with second place overall.
Aaron, a 23-year-old Dubai-based South African, managed to finish second behind C.S. Santosh (Hero MotoSports) on the first day in the crucial first night stage, an area here Lorenzo found difficult to navigate and ended up eighth.
That lead was enough for the South African and he ensured that he maintained it throughout.
Things became easier for Aaron when C.S. Santosh (Hero MotoSports) pulled out from the Rally after injuring his neck.
Aaron started the final day with a five-minute lead, and with a short course of around 25 km, it was always going to be difficult for Lorenzo to catch up.
“There was hardly anything I could do given the super short course,” said Lorenzo. He said he’s happy overall with his performance.
“It would have ideal had there been a stage more. I enjoyed my ride. Thanks to TVS Racing for its support,” he said.
The Spaniard said the terrain here was similar to the one at Morocco.
“The dunes are, however, are not bigger,” he said. Lorenzo further said his goal is the 2019 Dakar Rally. “I am only thinking of it.”
The results (overall): Group A & B: 1. Aaron Mare (Angata Racing), SS10: 00:16:58; Total timings: 08:01.20; 2. Santolino Lorenzo (TVS Racing) SS10: 00:14:56; 08:06.39; 3. Sanjay Kumar (Angata Racing), SS10: 00:20:13, 08:39:09; 4. Asbakmon Tharoth K (Angata Racing) SS10: 00:23.59; 13:`16:19; 5. Sarah Kashyap SS10: 00:29:54, 16:59:27.