Rally2 rookies shine as Campbell holds Dakar lead and Ventura climbs

Monster Energy Honda HRC Rally2 rookies Martim Ventura and Preston Campbell, have enjoyed a highly successful opening week at the Dakar Rally.  Ventura claimed his maiden Dakar stage victory on stage two, while Campbell has held the overall Rally2 lead for the past two days.

After only limited dune riding earlier in the event, stage six from Hail delivered a full test in the sand.  As the longest day of this year’s Dakar, the 915 km route to Riyadh pushed both riders to their physical and mental limits.

Competing in his first Dakar and with just two previous appearances in the World Rally-Raid Championship, Campbell has adapted impressively to the demands of the rally on his Honda CRF450RX RALLY.  Delivering another measured and consistent ride, the 26-year-old secured a solid fourth-place finish on the stage, which was enough to retain the Rally2 overall lead.  With nearly 17 minutes in hand, the pressure will intensify in the second week as his rivals look to close the gap.

Ventura has experienced every aspect of Dakar life during the opening week, from the high of a stage win to the frustration of mechanical issues.  Despite limited experience in the dunes, the Portuguese rider remained positive and continued to enjoy his dream campaign aboard the Honda.  Finishing just 12 seconds behind Campbell on stage six, he climbed further up the overall standings and now sits seventh, edging closer to the fight for fourth place.

Having completed their first full week at the Dakar, the Monster Energy Honda HRC Rally2 riders will take advantage of the rest day to recover and reset ahead of the next phase of the rally.  Action resumes on Sunday with another demanding stage, as they tackle 876 km on the southern route to Wadi Ad Dawasir.