It was the first time that the KTM 450 Rally Replica would be pushed to its limits, and the bike performed wonderfully. Both Cyril Despres and Marc Coma put in fantastic performances during the Rally of Morocco, giving a preview of what is surely to come during the Dakar Rally.Despres, who just returned from a 6 month hiatus after the birth of his daughter, was able to take the victory during the Rally of Morocco. Coma was given 36 minutes of penalties during the rally, but still managed to finish in third place. Helder Rodrigues was able to take advantage of Coma's penalties, and finished the rally in second.
"The first stage of the rally has been quite challenging, but the feeling with the new bike has been very good. There are some adjustments to improve, and get used to riding in a different way - a more attacking style rather that just using the power," Marc Coma said after the first stage.
The second stage would prove to be Coma's downfall, when he was given a 30 minute penalty due to a navigation error. Coma was able to climb back up in the rankings, and by the fourth stage, he was back in third place.
With Coma and Despres both riding the KTM 450 Rally Replica in Dakar, they will be hard to beat. But Rodrigues has gained some confidence during the Rally in Morocco, and is hopeful about his chances in Dakar.
“I am really happy to be part of such a prestigious podium and this proves we are heading in a good way for Dakar,” Rodrigues said.
