Desert Storm: Aaron Mare wins Moto category

TVS Racing’s Santolino Lorenzo had to be content with the second place despite finishing the fastest for the third successive day in the Moto Group A category.

Published : Mar 23, 2018 21:52 IST , Jaisalmer

 The top three winners of the moto category of the Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm. (From left) Aaron Mare, Santolino Lorenzo and Sanjay Kumar.
The top three winners of the moto category of the Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm. (From left) Aaron Mare, Santolino Lorenzo and Sanjay Kumar.
lightbox-info

The top three winners of the moto category of the Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm. (From left) Aaron Mare, Santolino Lorenzo and Sanjay Kumar.

Aaron Mare of Angata Racing clinched the Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm overall crown (Group A & B) here on Friday. TVS Racing’s Santolino Lorenzo had to be content with the second place despite finishing the fastest for the third successive day in the Moto Group A category.

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; it was an area 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 the Rally after injuring his neck.

‘Enjoyed my ride’

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 play catch-up. That is exactly what happened.

Lorenzojpg
Santolino Lorenzo of TVS Racing who finished second overall in the Moto category of the Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm here on Friday. Photo: Special Arrangement
 

“There was hardly [anything] I could do given the super short course,” said Lorenzo, who was 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 added.

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.”

  • Group A & B: 1. Aaron Mare (Angata Racing), SS10: 00:16:58; Total timings: SS10: 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.
Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment