Divorce is never pleasant, particularly when the parties (truly) loved one another. But sometimes separation is inevitable, and this is the case for Chilean rider Pablo Quintanilla and the Rockstar Husqvarna team, a squad with whom the rider achieved significant international success, winning the World Rally Championship in 2016 and 2017.

In the Dakar, the 34-year old and the Swedish brand shared three wins, beating off the Honda and Yamaha giants. It looked as if they were set to continue on together, and yet: "It’s not easy to split from a rider who has been an important part of our project”, comments team manager Pela Renet, team manager "but this can happen in motorsport".

The Husky manager continues: "Pablo has made a significant contribution together with Rockstar Energy Husvarna Factory Racing, he’s very special and I know this, because we were also team-mates. We all thank him and wish him all the best for the future”.

Translated by Heather Watson

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