For the vice-champion, Zanol, the exchange of experience was the most important thing in the Sertões

Felipe Zanol (foto: Theo Ribeiro)

The Brazilian, Felipe Zanol, managed, for the second time, to win the vice championship in the Sertões International Rally. It could be disheartening, if the motorbike rider had not participated in the largest rally in the country for only the second time. Five time Brazilian champion in the enduro, Zanol made his debut last year in the Sertões and was second only to the Spaniard, Marc Coma.

In 2011, he lost to the Frenchman, Cyril Despres, in one of the fiercest disputes in the tests history, with differences in stages that were of only tenths of seconds after over 300 kilometers of Special. Both had the same support team, Brasil Moto Tour, and they exchanged experiences outside the tracks.

It was a great year for me. I wanted the Title, but I see this test as a learning experience. I was with Despres for ten days in the same team, and he gave me many hints. I am grateful, for me it was important. I am starting out in rallies, and he has over ten years of experience, Zanol said in the press conference after having arrived at Praia do Cumbuco (CE).

The Brazilians plans go further after his second participation in the Sertões. Now I have a year to continue working, thinking about 2012, in a long term project for the Dakar. I have to participate in more rally races, in order to get more experience, train and prepare the motorbike more, added the rider, who admitted on having made mistakes at the beginning of the contest. I was a bit careless, due to my lack of experience, and that hindered me. I think that was what was missing, I started too slow and if I had gone faster at the beginning, the dispute would have been more interesting.

Dário Júlio wins in the production
Third place in the overall standing, and champion in the production category, the Brazilian, Dario Julio travelled the same path as Zanol. Both raced together in the Enduro and started in the rally last year.

The Sertões is a race that I have followed over the years, since 1999 when I began the regularity enduro. I entered the test last year, together with Zanol, who is a great friend. I am happy and proud to be on the podium with two pros of this level, Dário celebrates.

Andrei Spinassé collaborated straight from Praia do Cumbuco (CE)

Este texto foi escrito por: Daniel Costa*