Today’s stage was overshadowed by the death of motorcyclist Paulo Gonçalves. The Portuguese had a terrible accident after 276 km into the special. Sometimes motorsport can be very cruel. For now it doesn’t matter if the Borgward BX7 EVO performed well or not, if Nani or Ricardo did well or not, sometimes it’s about life. Borgward Rally Team would like to send condolences to the family of Paulo Gonçalves.
Nani Roma also expressed his sadness in Paulo Gonçalves’s passing: « Today is one of those terrible days, it’s hard for everybody. But mostly for the family of Gonçalves. It is very sad and bad. I would like to express my condolences to the family of Paulo (Gonçalves). Today it is not important what happens, if I lose or if I win, if the car did well or did not well, it’s a really hard day ».
The organization decided to cancel Stage 8 for motorcycles and quads after meeting the riders and making a decision together with the entire motorbike family. Stage 8 was supposed to take place on a loop course around Wadi Al Dawasir but now riders will have time to mourn their friend.
Arturo Ruiz,