The birthday stage for Rafał Sonik

The first stage of this year’s Sardegna Race Rally was quite special for Rafał Sonik. The winner of Dakar Rally and the four-times winner of the World Cup celebrated his 50th birthday on the 3rd of June, and even though he arrived at the finish line on the third place, none of his rivals was welcomed so warmly. Polish fans waited for him in Budoni with banners and a loud “Happy Birthday” song.

During the stage on Friday, the racers had to cover two time-controlled sections of 70 km and 90 km. The quad riders arrived at the finish line of both sections in the same order, with Sebastien Souday arriving first, followed by Ignacio Casale, Rafał Sonik, and Kamil Wiśniewski.

‘Like in previous years, my rivals are faster at the beginning due to bigger tyres. They use “22”, and I use “20”. It means that the gap is smaller and I have to be more careful while driving on the rocks and stones, but I my clutch and my engine is in less risk. This tactics has proven to work in the previous three editions, so we’ll see whether the history will repeat itself this year, too. Only time can tell,’ said the quad rider.

In Budoni, a surprise awaited for the World Cup leader. A group of his friends and fans came to the finish line with banners and a guitar to sing him a “Happy 50th Birthday”. ‘That was a huge surprise, my fans and friends hid themselves so that I would see them only at the last moment! Celebration, however, will have to wait for another day. Today, I’m only reading the wishes coming in from all over the world and I’m going to bed. Tomorrow is the first day of the marathon stage,’ he concluded.

On Saturday, the riders will go south to Sa Itria. As the SuperSonik mentioned, it will be the first day of the marathon stage, during which the participants may not be helped by the service team. The mechanics will work on the quads and bikes only on Saturday in Arabatax, so the riders will have to find the sweet spot between caring for the equipment and the vicious fight for the win.

After SS1
1. Sebastien Souday (FRA) 01:16.30
2. Ignacio Casale (CHL) +0.46
3. Rafał Sonik (POL) + 3.51
4. Kamil Wiśniewski (POL) + 5.18

After SS2
1. Sebastien Souday (FRA) 01:57.26
2. Ignacio Casale (CHL) + 2.13
3. Rafał Sonik (POL) + 3.21
4. Kamil Wiśniewski (POL) + 7.40

Rally classification:
1. Sebastien Souday (FRA) 3:14.57
2. Ignacio Casale (CHL) + 2.59
3. Rafał Sonik (POL) + 6.12
4. Kamil Wiśniewski (POL) + 11.58