After the accident yesterday which claimed the life of motorcycle rider Paulo Gonçalves, today’s stage, the eighth of the Dakar Rally 2020, has been cancelled in the motorcycle category out of respect for the mourning of family and friends in the bivouac.
An on-track accident at kilometre 276 in the seventh stage of the Dakar Rally 2020 took the life of Portuguese rider Paulo Gonçalves (5/2/1979).
Paulo Gonçalves was a rider with Honda HRC, Monster Energy Honda Team from mid-2013 until mid-2019. During those six season the spirited Portuguese rider won over the hearts of, not only the entire team, but also all the companions in the bivouac.
Paulo won three Dakar Rally stages with Honda and claimed the runner-up spot in the 2015 edition. Previously after various victories in the 2013 world championship, Paulo clinched the title of FIM Cross-Country Rallies world champion in an epic triumph in Morocco. In 2014 he took the runner-up prize was third in the world championship in 2015 and 2017.
Monster Energy Honda Team and, by extension, the entire Honda family wish to thank everybody for their messages of support and for the displays of affection that have been shown. We would like to convey our deepest condolences to the family of the rider.
This is… Stage 9
Link: 476 km – Special: 415 km – Total: 891 km
With this long stage, the Dakar prepares to enter the “Empty Quarter”. The main factor will be driving precision, this time with mainly hard ground and a number of rough portions for those who are not careful enough. On reaching Haradh, built around oil and agriculture, the rally enters a new phase.
Yoshishige Nomura – HRC President : « I am shocked, and deeply saddened at the news of Paulo Gonçalves passing away. Paulo joined the during 2013 season, the year that Honda returned to the Dakar, and played an invaluable role in enhancing the racing bike’s competitiveness. His friendly, jolly personality made him a driving force for the team, and charmed motorsports fans worldwide. HRC appreciates Paulo’s tremendous achievements and his immeasurable contribution as a Honda rider, and expresses its deepest condolences to his family and friends. »
Provisional Standings after Stage 7
1. Brabec Ricky (USA) – Monster Energy Honda Team, 28:25’01
2. Quintanilla Pablo (CHI) – Husqvarna Factory Rally Team, +24’48
3. Cornejo José Ignacio (CHI) – Monster Energy Honda Team, +27’01
4. Price Toby (AUS) – KTM Factory Racing Team, +28’44
5. Barreda Joan (SPA) – Monster Energy Honda Team, +29’39
6. Walkner Matthias (AUT) – KTM Factory Racing Team, +33’04
7. Benavides Luciano (ARG) – KTM Factory Racing Team, +38’58
8. Howes Skyler (USA) – Klymciw Racing, +01:15’02
9. Caimi Franco (ARG) – Yamalube Yamaha Official Rally Team, +01:15’31
10. Svitko Stefan (SLO) – Slovnaft Team, +01:19’41…
26. Benavides Kevin (ARG) – Monster Energy Honda Team, +03:59’12…
Press Release,