Rafał Sonik – second in Qatar, first in the World Cup classification

‘I won the last stage by a few minutes, but it wasn’t enough to catch up with Ignacio. At night, the mechanics had to replace the engine, and it meant a penalty of 15 minutes. I’m happy, however, because the points for the second place helped me keep the first place in the general World Cup classification,’ said Rafał Sonik at the finish line of the Sealine Cross-Country Rally.

In the evening, before the last stage of the Qatar Rally, he received a call from his service team. The quad engine had to be replaced. ‘I have no idea how Rafał reached the finish line with the shaft in the engine bent like that. It’s a miracle. I’ve never seen anything like it,’ commented Jarosław Zając, who is responsible for getting the quad ready for racing.

That was not the end, however. The mechanics were concerned about the replaced engine, too, so Rafał went off into the last special stage with the knowledge that he might be driving a ticking bomb. Luckily, the engine survived and after covering 350 km, SuperSonik arrived at the finish line three minutes before Ignacio Casale.

‘I caught up with Ignacio pretty fast, but I found it difficult to lose him. Once again the grassy dunes were a nightmare. The last parts of the stage really wore me out. The heat was unbearable and only the last 20 km along the sea coast served as a breather,’ said Sonik about the last day of the rally.

Rafał Sonik took part in Sealine Cross-Country Rally for the fifth time. He won it three times, and this year’s second place is the second one. ‘Every time that I go on a rally I want to win it, so I’m not really satisfied. The technical problems on the second day, followed by the accident of my team partner, Julian Villarubia – and I lost the rhythm. The competition with Ignacio was very fierce, and I wish it could’ve lasted a few more days. Anyways, we’ll meet soon, at the beginning of June during the Sardegna Rally,’ ended Sonik.

Rafał Sonik remained the leader of the World Cup. Ignacio Casale is seven points behind. At the end of the Qatar Rally, next to the cup for the second place, Rafał Sonik accepted the trophy for the best old-timer, too.

World Cup Classification:

1. Rafał Sonik (POL) 51 points
2. Ignacio Casale (CHL) 44 points
3. Camelia Liparoti (ITA) 23 points