Final Results From 2018 Merzouga Rally

Known as the “Mini Dakar”, the Merzouga rally is a rally raid that has been taking place since 2010 in the big dunes of Merzouga. It’s a five-day race that includes a marathon stage in the desert. Landscapes of Merzouga dunes, through daunting passes in Atlas Mountains, to a maze of trails, to flat out stretches across the Sahara, this event has it all. The goal for each rider was, gaining experience in this ultra-tough rally and further enhancing their skills to strengthen their position in Dakar 2019.

Joan Pedrero clinched 7th place overall to give the Sherco TVS Factory Rally Team a top 10 finish. Martin Diego Duplessis (TVS) finished at 11th place, just shy of the top 10, while Vanni Cominotto (TVS) wasn't far behind and finished at 21st position.

Commenting on his performance, Joan Pedrero, Sherco TVS Factory Rally Team, said, “The Merzouga Rally is tough and very competitive but I am thrilled to have finished in the top 10. It has been a great learning ground and I hope to use these learnings going forward.”

Both riders for Hero MotoSports Team Rally ranked within the top 20 riders, with Oriol Mena bagging 15th position and CS Santosh at 19th position.

Commenting on his performance, C S Santosh said, “It was our first international rally after the Dakar. I am really glad to have finished the Merzouga, as I was a little worried after the crash I had at the Desert Storm. Overall I think I made fewer mistakes this year and improved a lot in my speed and navigation, this has been a good learning experience for me.”

Securing the top 2 places in the 2018 Merzouga Rally were Monster Energy Honda team mates Joan Barreda and Kevin Benavides, respectively, while Pablo Quintanilla of Husqvarna Racing clinched the third spot on the podium.