Sport

Jean Azevedo, a five-time Sertões Rally Bike category champion, debuted on four wheels this year alongside navigator Youssef Haddad. His goal was to gain more experience in order to be able to put yet another title under his belt in the upcoming editions of the biggest competition of the Americas. "I learned a lot. That was my goal in my first attempt driving a car in this rally. I’ll be back next year to go for a better outcome," said Jean.

The Petrobras Lubrax Team duo ran on to several mechanical issues with their Mitsubishi Pajero Full, brought-in from Europe, not the least of which a front differential breakdown, a few odometer shutdowns, and oil leaking from a rear shock absorber. Despite these problems, Jean and Youssef ended in third among the FIA Cars (entered by the Fédération Internacionale de l’Automobile). Official Volkswagen team’s Giniel de Villiers and Dirk von Zitzewitz were the grand winners of the 2008 edition of the Sertões, which was wrapped-up today (27) in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte.

Petrobras Lubrax Team biker Rodolpho Mattheis celebrated his arrival with relatives. "I am happy I ended well and won my category (Brazil Bikes above 450cc). The win was even more special because I met-up with my family on the crossing line (his father Andreas Mattheis, former Stock Car driver). Team support was vital for this achievement. The mechanics worked around the clock in several stages. I now need to get some rest and then get ready for upcoming challenges," said Mattheis, as he drove up the ramp at the crossing line of the rally. José Hélio, who was neck-to-neck in every stage with Frenchman Cyril Despres, ended up pocketing his fourth rally title (1999, 2003, 2007, 2008).

The Edu Piano/Solon Mendes/Davi Fonseca trio was the grand winner in the Truck category. Because Petrobras Lubrax Team’s Mercedes-Benz broke down in yesterday’s stage, the Amable Barrasa/José Papacena Neto/Raphael Bettoni team was the runner-up. André Azevedo/Maykel Justo/Ronaldo Pinto completed the rally in fifth.