Rookie riders Ventura and Campbell gear up for first Dakar Rally with Honda

Today, the Monster Energy Honda HRC Rally2 team completed all required scrutineering and administrative checks at the Yanbu start camp, located on the picturesque shores of the Red Sea.  With these formalities successfully completed, both riders and their machines are now fully cleared and ready to tackle the demanding stages ahead.  This milestone marks the final preparatory step before the 2026 Dakar Rally gets underway, allowing Ventura and Campbell to focus entirely on the task at hand: making it through and performing at the world’s toughest rally-raid event.

Earlier in the week, both riders took part in a comprehensive shakedown on their Honda CRF450RX RALLY bikes, using the session to dial in their final setups and gain confidence on the challenging terrain.  With roughly 8,000 kilometres of harsh desert, rocky tracks, and unpredictable conditions ahead, the duo will need to rely on their skill, endurance and determination as they navigate this first round of the 2026 World Rally-Raid Championship season.

For the rookie duo, the adventure officially kicks off tomorrow with the opening 22km prologue.  Though relatively short in distance, this stage will offer a crucial opportunity to experience the full intensity of the Dakar Rally from the very first kilometre.  It serves as a demanding introduction to one of the toughest events in motorsport, setting the tone for what promises to be a two-week journey filled with extraordinary challenges, extreme conditions and unforgettable experiences for Ventura and Campbell as they embark on their maiden Dakar Rally campaign.