Ventura fights back to reach Rally 2 podium in Spain

Martim Ventura secured a place on the Rally 2 podium with a determined performance on day three of Rally-Raid Portugal.

Following yesterday’s challenging wet conditions, the Monster Energy Honda HRC Rally 2 pairing of Ventura and Preston Campbell approached stage two with renewed focus.  Crossing from Portugal into Spain, the riders faced a varied route where sandy terrain gave way to mountain tracks, before opening into farmland plains over 377 km of timed action, finishing in Badajoz.

It proved to be a standout day for Ventura, as after struggling with less than full fitness since the start of the rally, he found his rhythm and consistently ran at the front, even challenging Rally GP competitors.  Adapting seamlessly to both Portuguese and Spanish terrain aboard his Honda CRF450 RALLY RX, Ventura delivered a composed and consistent ride through the checkpoints to finish second on the stage.  His performance elevated him from seventh to third overall in Rally 2, placing him on the provisional podium, 10’13” behind fellow countryman Bruno Santos.

Campbell, meanwhile, endured a more difficult day as he adjusted to the changing terrain in Spain.  He completed the stage in sixth, 9’10” off the fastest time, and now sits sixth overall with a 12’56” deficit.  Despite the gap, he remains firmly in podium contention, with just three and a half minutes separating him from second place.

With rain forecast to return, tomorrow’s stage will see a full day of racing in Spain’s rural Extremadura region.  The riders face 297 km of timed action and a 205 km liaison as they continue their push toward the finish in Loulé this Sunday in this third edition of Rally-Raid Portugal.