– Warnia-Minaudier faces the Spanish round as leader of the World Cup
A record number of 271 teams will take partt o the Baja Spain, an international event that counts both for the FIA CrossCountry World Cup and the FIM World Cup.
In its tenth consecutive edition in Teruel that hosts the bivouac, the competitors will explore the region throughout the two days of competition (Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd), covering more than 500timed kilometres.
With this round being valid for the FIA Cross Country World Cup, the big names are ready to rock and the Xtremeplus Team line up 5 crews. On the podium in Baja Italy, the leader of the T4 category Jeremie Warnia and Loic Minaudier – CST Polaris Xtremeplus Team will be at the starting blocks to consolidate the fantastic position. Alongside the French Crew, Jean Luc Ceccaldi and Sebastien Delauney – ABC Tools Polaris Xtremeplus ,the Brit Graham Knight and David Watson – Polaris Xtremeplus, Haran Sean and Martin Hales – Emka Polaris Xtremeplus Team,and Jorge Wagenfuhr and Humberto Robeiro from Brazil – Lifesil Polaris Xtremeplus.
« This is the first season that I am competing in the FIA Cross Country World Cup. I have never competed in a Baja so I consider myself a rookie. It’s my first time here at Baja Aragon so I don’t have a strategy, but we will do our best. Our target is to improve the performance », said the leader of the T4 Category Jeremie Warnia. Alongside the French, his Xtremeplus with 5 crews at Baja Spain experienced co-driver Loic Minaudier.« We are very excited to compete the Baja Aragon and keep the good momentum. »
« For me this is the beginning of a new adventureafter having competed in the T3 category for the past 3 years », said Jean-luc Ceccaldi, « this year I finished my third Dakar, Abu Dhabi and Baja Qatar. Marco Piana asked me to try the Polaris T4and here we are. Last year we did the Baja Aragon, but we had a mechanical issue on day2. I’m happy to return racing in Spain, the spectators are very passionate here. It’s exciting to see so many people along the special stage! »
« The race will be demanding with a very high level of the drivers », stated Seb Delaunay, « everybody is very excited,so I think the best strategy is to be smart and drive safely keeping a good rhythm. »
« We are really looking forward to the race. We are here to know the car in preparation for the Dakar and toenjoy the Baja Aragon » said Humberto Robeiro. « This race is quiet similar to the Brazilian races so we hope to keep a good pace. We look forward to challenge ourselves in the rally raid and it would be great to return home with a trophy. »
« This is our first Baja Spain and we can’t wait », said Martin Hales, who is teaming up with Haran Sean, « on the menu amazing scenery and trails. We aim at having fun and enjoying a race and finish it. We will do our best. »
« We are here to enjoy and explore the region », said Graham Knight, aged 72, « this is my third time I’m competing the Baja Spain. It’s beautiful, despite it will be very hot. I’m driving my machine with whom I did Dakar. »
On Thursday, administrative and technical checks will take place for all the teams before the competition gets under way early on Friday morning with the 5-kilometre prologue, which will serve as an aperitif for the first stage of almost 180 kilometres.