Ventura Moves Into Second Overall as Schareina’s Sertões Comes to an Early End
Minaçu, Brazil – August 27, 2026
Monster Energy Honda HRC experienced a dramatic fifth stage of the 2026 Sertões, with Martim Ventura moving into second place overall and continuing to lead the Moto 2 classification, while Tosha Schareina’s challenge for a second consecutive Sertões victory came to an end following a crash.
The fifth stage took the competitors from Porto Nacional to Minaçu, in the state of Goiás, covering 562 kilometres in total, including 309 kilometres of timed special. The route provided another demanding test, combining fast sections with two particularly technical mountain sections, requiring precision, concentration and careful navigation.
After four stages, Tosha Schareina started the day as the runner-up in the overall standings aboard his Honda CRF 450 Rally. However, the defending champion suffered a crash during the special and was unable to complete the stage. Schareina was reported to be in good condition following the incident and will be evaluated by the medical team.
For Martim Ventura, the fifth stage brought another solid performance in his first Sertões. The Portuguese rider completed the stage in second position overall, securing another podium result and moving into second place in the overall motorcycle classification.
Ventura also continues to dominate the Moto 2 standings aboard the Honda CRF 450 RX Rally, extending his advantage in the category to more than one hour after five stages.
After five stages, Ventura sits second overall with a total time of 26h 08m 52s, while continuing to lead Moto 2.
The Sertões now enters its final three stages. Friday’s sixth stage will take the rally from Minaçu to Niquelândia, both in Goiás, covering 448 kilometres in total, including 319 kilometres of special stage. The route will feature winding tracks, river crossings and another crossing of the Bagagem River.
With three days remaining, Ventura now becomes Monster Energy Honda HRC’s main contender for the overall result. The Portuguese rider will look to maintain his position at the sharp end of the classification and bring his first Sertões campaign to a strong finish.
Tosha Schareina 68
Unfortunately, today was not the result we were looking for. I had a crash during the special and, after that, I couldn’t continue the stage. I’m okay, which is the most important thing, but it’s obviously disappointing, especially after starting the rally in such a strong position and fighting for the overall victory.
Sertões is a very demanding race, and anything can happen. We were still fighting for the lead with three stages to go, so it’s hard to accept that our race has ended this way.
I want to thank the whole team for their work throughout these days. The bike has been working really well, and everyone has given their best. I also want to thank Honda Brazil for all the support and affection they have shown us throughout these days. It has been great to feel their support here in Brazil.
Now we have to look forward, learn from this experience and come back stronger.
Martim Ventura 84
It was a very hard day. We woke up at two in the morning, so it was a long day from the start. The stage itself was very difficult, with some really technical sections and also some very fast parts. There were many places where it was easy to make a mistake, so it was very difficult to get through without any issues.
I made a mistake early in the stage, got lost once and also had two crashes. Then I had a small problem with the bike, so I had to slow down and manage the pace until the finish.
But I’m happy to have made it to the end and to be one day closer to the finish of the rally. Today was a day to survive, and we did that. Now we can look forward to tomorrow.
