Today Ricky Brabec was once again the fastest Monster Energy Honda Team rider during the third stage from the Desafio Ruta YPF in Argentina. The American was third 1’52” behind Tosha Schareina – who is also riding an Honda CRF 450 Rally – at the end of the stage reaching Belén. The Spaniard was one more time at the front of the field during the 265 km Special Section. In consequence, Brabec also climbs into third place overall.

In today’s Special Stage Adrien Van Beveren was 7th, José Ignacio Cornejo finished 8th and Pablo Quintanilla returned to Belén closing the Top 10.

In the overall standings, Brabec gets into third place (22:01 min gap), Van Beveren is in 5th place (24:02 min gap), Cornejo in 6th place (32:25 min gap) and Quintanilla in 7’th place (33:30 min gap).

Tomorrow the race will repeat the circuit scheme as today with the start and arrival in Belén. This time there will be 234 km of liaison and 345 km of Special Stage. The fourth and penultimate stage will mix once again gravel, sand tracks and dunes.

Ruben Faria

General Manager

“This was another day in the region of Belén, quite a mixed stage with a difficult start with some navigation and dunes at the beginning. Ricky did a great stage and his third place allowed him to climb into 3rd overall. Adrien today did not feel comfortable and was a bit late - also due to a navigation mistake at the end. Nacho made a predictable stage and Pablo today did not feel comfortable. Tomorrow we will continue fighting and this will be the rule until we reach Salta.”

Ricky Brabec 9

“The stage was good, started out more physically than the others which is nice because it was chilly this morning so we were able to get warmed up pretty quick. This stage was really fast, a lot faster than I remember so it looks like we won the stage but then the bonus time kicked in and I think I am still third. I am feeling good. I am already looking forward to going home, it’s two more days and we will be out of here. The goal is to go back in one piece!”

José Ignacio “Nacho” Cornejo 11

“I am done with stage 3, it was fun to ride since we had a little bit of everything with fast piste and river beds. It was not the outcome I expected. I am happy with my Honda CRF 450 Rally and I will continue to fight the best way I can day by day. ”

Adrien Van Beveren 42

“This was not such an easy day for me, I tried my best and I could not find a really fast rhythm. I was feeling good, but the guys in front were pushing more. I need to get confidence in these river beds, it's not my favorite terrain but the bike is working well and I felt ok. Now let's focus on the next few days.”

Pablo Quintanilla 7

“This was not a good day for me, since I did not feel comfortable on the bike. Now I just need to rest and keep my mind clear to face another day. Like I always do I will give my best in every stage until the end of the race”.

2023 World Rally Raid Championship
Stage   Ruta40

Provisional Standings after Stage 3

Pos. Rider Num Nation Team Constructor Time/Gap
1 Schareina Tosha 68 SPA Honda Team Honda 10:20:53
2 Benavides Luciano 77 ARG Husqvarna Factory Racing Husqvarna 10:27:16
3 Brabec Ricky 9 USA Monster Energy Honda HRC Honda 10:42:56
4 Evan Branch Ross 16 BWA Hero Motorsports Team Rally Hero 10:43:29
5 Van Beveren Adrien 42 FRA Monster Energy Honda HRC Honda 10:44:55
6 Cornejo José Ignacio "Nacho" 11 CHI Monster Energy Honda HRC Honda 10:53:28
7 Quintanilla Pablo 7 CHI Monster Energy Honda HRC Honda 10:54:23
8 Bühler Sebastian POR Hero Motorsports Team Rally Hero 10:56:45
9 Cox Bradley 49 RSA BAS DAKAR KTM RACING TEAM KTM 11:09:53
10 Dabrowski Konrad 26 POL Duust Rally Team KTM 11:34:05
Location Information

The Desafio Ruta 40, gets installed in the global sporting context as a premium brand. More than a simple velocity race, like every Cross Country Rally, the Desafio Ruta 40 is an adventure that requires competitors other capacities that goes beyond speed to reach the goal faster. Desafio Ruta 40… read more.

San Rafael, Mendoza, Argentina - View in Google Maps