Yamaha’s Alessandro Botturi storms to victory in Stage 2 of the Addax Rally after a 15-minute penalty setback, while teammate António Maio withdraws following a crash.
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The Addax Rally in Morocco delivered drama and determination in equal measure as the Ténéré Yamaha Rally Team’s Alessandro Botturi bounced back from a Stage 1 penalty to take a commanding Stage 2 victory, while teammate António Maio was forced to withdraw following a heavy crash.
Botturi’s Redemption Ride
Stage 2, the longest of the rally at 388.92 km, tested riders with fast tracks, dry riverbeds, and endless dunes, a true Saharan endurance test. Starting from Merzouga and traversing through Taouz, Jdeid, and Ramlia, precise navigation proved critical.
Botturi, who had initially topped Stage 1 before a 15-minute waypoint penalty dropped him to fifth, mounted a powerful comeback. Despite feeling unwell and battling a headache, the 50-year-old Italian blitzed the course in 5 hours, 41 minutes, and 26 seconds, finishing over two minutes ahead of his nearest rival.
The two-time Africa Eco Race winner now sits second overall, just 3 minutes and 21 seconds behind the rally leader. “It was a very difficult stage today, tough navigation and challenging terrain,” Botturi said. “But I tried to stay focused and claw back as much time as possible. The Ténéré 700 Rally handled everything the Sahara Desert could throw at it with ease, and we are back in the hunt for victory.”
Maio’s Painful Exit
It was heartbreak for António Maio, who had brilliantly won Stage 1, his first-ever timed special in a desert rally. Riding as a guest with the team on the official Ténéré 700 Rally, Maio’s strong pace continued into Stage 2 until a heavy crash just 50 km from the finish.
Though he managed to remount and finish sixth on the stage, the Portuguese rider later sought medical attention for back pain and, after consultation with team doctors, made the difficult decision to withdraw and return home for further assessment.
Ténéré Spirit Experience Riders Shine
The Ténéré Spirit Experience (TSE) contingent added to Yamaha’s success story. Kevin Gallas finished second on Stage 2 and now leads the overall classification, ahead of Botturi and Mike Wiedemann, who placed third on the stage to complete a Yamaha 1-2-3. Bertrand Gavard secured 11th, contributing to a dominant showing for the Ténéré 700 World Raid machines.
What’s Next
Stage 3 will push riders further across Morocco’s rugged terrain, featuring 370 km of timed special from Erfoud to Rissani. With dried riverbeds, loose stones, and rocky trails, the stage promises to be a true navigational test where focus and precision will once again decide the leaders’ fate.
With Botturi back in contention and Yamaha locking out the top three, the Addax Rally is shaping up to be a thrilling battle to the finish.
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