Honda, with 6 drivers to regain the Dakar title and Schareina as a great Spanish opponent

After 18 consecutive editions won by KTM, sling bag He took two Dakar titles on a motorcycle in 2020 (Ricky Brabec) and 2021 (Kevin Benavides). But since then, Honda hasn’t been able to do it again for two years. Sam Sunderland won the GasGas in 2022 (KTM brand), and the former Honda, Kevin Benavideswas crowned again last year, but this time wearing orange.

Last year, in Dakar 2023, Chilean Pablo Quintanilla is the best placed for the Monster Energy Honda Teamwith a final fourth position 19’02” behind the winner, ahead of Adrien Van Beveren, 5th, with José Ignacio Cornejo in 8th position. Brabec abandoned due to a fall and Joan Barreda, racing with Honda although there is no official color, He fought with many options until he had to leave due to an accident.

So that, Honda tried it in 2023 with 4 men in the official structure and Joan Barreda, which also has a ‘pata negra’ motorcycle. The battle was very much before the army of KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas. It was a very even battle and full of emotion and uncertainty. Because of this, the Monster Energy Honda Team decided to return to attack for the crown after three years with up to 6 riders in its official team.

Within Monster Energy Honda Team, riding a renewed Honda CRF450Rallythey will repeat Pablo Quintanilla, Ricky Brabec, José Ignacio Cornejo and Adrien Van Beveren. The big news for the team is the American Skyler Howes, from Husqvarna, and Valencian Tosha Schareina.

Schareina, another Spaniard for the crown

The Spanish Schareina makes his debut with an official team in Dakar after shining with the best in his first two participations (2021 and 2023) with a private motorcycle. Honda decided to test him in the W2RC World Championship. In his first World Cup event he placed 2nd in the Sonora Rally. And in his second W2RC test with Honda, he won the Ruta 40 Challenge. He thus secured a position as a contender to win the Dakar on a motorcycle, replacing the male idol of him all these years, Joan Barreda from Castellón.

“Being here is a dream come true, I have followed the Dakar since I was little and to be here is incredible. We will fight for it”said the Spaniard in the presentation statement of the Monster Energy Honda Team.

“The riders are very happy on the bike and they are all in good physical condition. The 2024 Dakar will be very difficult but the 2023 season is a year of evolution for the team and the victory in the teams/manufacturers world championship gave us the certainty that we have a very strong work group in all areas and that gives confidence at all levels to fight for the top of the podium, where we stopped with victories in 2020 and 2021,” commented the team boss which is Ruben Faria. .

“The new bike, the Honda CRF450Rally, is not just an evolution, but a revolution in the world of off-road racing. With its cutting-edge design, cutting-edge technology and the support of an elite team, the CRF450Rally is ready to make a mark of a milestone in rally history and lead the Monster Energy Honda Team riders to victory,” the team said in its statement.