In these early days of the Africa Eco Race, the lead has consistently changed hands, with two prominent protagonists in the battle. Alessandro Botturi won the fourth stage and reclaimed the top spot in the standings.
The Ténéré Yamaha Rally Team rider completed the 495 km timed section between Touizgui and Laayoune in 5h24m36s. He was 2m50s faster than Jacopo Cerutti (Aprilia), overtaking his compatriot to lead the overall classification by 1m28s.
Pål Anders Ullevålseter (Team Norwit/KTM) set the third-fastest time, more than 24 minutes behind Botturi, moving up to third place in the standings, although he remains over an hour and a half behind the leader. Nicolas Charlier (Yamaha Ténéré World Raid Team) and Marco Menichini (Aprilia) rounded out the top five for the day.
In the general standings, Guillaume Borne (Team GBR/Husqvarna) is in fourth, with Francesco Montanari (Aprilia) in fifth.
The fifth stage of the Africa Eco Race, the last one on Moroccan soil, will take place tomorrow, connecting Laayoune to Dakhla with 435 km of timed sections.