Andalucia Rally – May 12-16, 2021
FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies, round 1
For immediate release
Sunday, May 16th, 2021
MONSTER ENERGY CAN-AM TEAM’S AUSTIN
JONES SEALS FIA T4 VICTORY IN ANDALUCIA RALLY
VILLAMARTIN (SPAIN): The Monster Energy Can-Am Team’s Austin Jones and Gustavo Gugelmin claimed victory in the FIA T4 category at the Andalucia Rally in their Can-Am Maverick XRS.
The opening round of the 2021 FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies was held in the Andalucia and Córdoba regions of southern Spain over a qualifying stage and four demanding legs through remote and varied countryside, with rolling plains, water crossings, twisty and technical tracks and fast open trails.
The American and his Brazilian co-driver won the third stage to overhaul Qatar’s early leader Khalifa Saleh Al-Attiyah and set another fastest time on the final timed section to extend their advantage and record the win by the winning margin of 13min 24sec. The triumphant crew were also placed 12th in the overall classification.
Jones said: “The last stage was really good. It was technical. I took a long time to get through the first 100km. It was a fun stage, really challenging. The water crossings are something else out here. Full tsunami every single time…. The course was really good and we are super happy.”
The Polish duo of Aron Domżala and navigator Maciej Marton blotted their copybooks with a crash on the first selective section in the second of the Monster Energy Can-Ams. But team technicians worked to repair the Maverick in time for them to complete the remaining three specials.
The Pole had been fastest on the qualifying stage and went on to record the win on stage two and the second fastest time on both legs three and four. He climbed back to reach the finish in 14th overall.
Monster Can-Am Team’s Scott Abraham said: “This was a great result for AJ (Austin Jones). He has been working hard since he started racing with us. He clearly showed on Dakar 2021 that he was a force to be reckoned with, leading the rally at the rest day. Austin and Gustavo both put on a controlled display over the last few days.
“Unfortunately, Aron, on day one had an accident that set him back. He recovered with excellent stage results and supported Austin to the finish line today.”
Support for the Monster Energy Can-Am Team came from Method Wheels, Tensor Tires, Motul, Jjuan Brake Systems, Bell, Lazer and OMP.
2021 Andalucia Rally – FIA T4 result:
1. Austin Jones (USA)/Gustavo Gugelmin (BRA) Monster Energy Can-Am Maverick XRS 11hr 31min 08sec
2. Khalifa Saleh Al-Attiyah (QAT)/Xavier Panseri (FRA) South Racing Can-Am Maverick XRS 11hr 44min 32sec
3. Kees Koolen (NLD)/Mirjam Pol (NLD) South Racing Can-Am Maverick XRS 12hr 01min 57sec
4. Hernan Garces (CHL)/Juan Pablo Latrach (CHL) South Racing Can-Am Maverick XRS 12hr 11min 36sec
5. David Zille (ARG)/Bruno Jacomy (ARG) South Racing Can-Am Maverick XRS 12hr 13min 27sec
14. Aron Domzala (POL)/Maciej Marton (POL) Monster Energy Can-Am Maverick XRS 36hr 31min 46sec
Ends
For further information: contact Scott Abraham, South Racing, Email: Scott.Abraham@southracing.com, Tel: + 49 172 6662880.
www.southracing.com
Facebook group: Monster Energy Can-Am