Morocco, Stage 1: A Honda ahead of three KTMs – one ZX Moto rolled to a halt

World Championship leader Daniel Sanders (KTM) won Monday’s prologue, and the Australian chose the tenth starting position – rather than the very last – for Tuesday’s first stage. The route took the rally convoy from Agadir towards Zagora. The special stage covered 268 km, and a two-part liaison section of 368 km also had to be completed.

The terrain was varied, taking the riders over stony sections, dry riverbeds and fast stretches all the way to the dune region of the Draa Valley. As well as speed, navigation also played an important role.

Ricky Brabec, who started in 13th place, set the fastest time on the special stage. The Monster Honda rider completed the stage in 2 hours, 39 minutes and 57 seconds, making him the first stage winner of this year’s Morocco edition. His Red Bull team-mates Sanders and Edgar Canet were just 23 and 44 seconds slower respectively.

The new ZX Moto rally team had a rather mixed first day. GP rider Skyler Howes ran out of fuel on the special stage. His team-mate Tobias Ebster, competing in the Rally2 category, shared his fuel with the American, enabling them to reach the finish line together. However, they had to be towed along the liaison section.