After two weeks and 8000 kilometres of gruelling competition full of a thousand challenges in all kinds of conditions, Monster Energy Honda Team have completed the 40th edition of the Dakar Rally. Kevin Benavides proved himself up to the challenge, earning a well-merited place on the final podium of the world’s toughest rally.
The final fourteenth stage of the 2018 Rally Dakar was resplendent with the colours of the Monster Energy Honda Team, who claimed the final stage victory at the hands of Argentinean rider Kevin Benavides, sealing the overall runner-up spot in the process. Another success for the team in the Dakar Rally, equalling the same feat of Paulo Gonçalves in 2015.
After a last-minute injury had forced Paulo to retire, the Portuguese rider’s replacement in the race, youngster José Ignacio, proved to be one of the revelations of the rally. The Chilean rider regularly posted top fifteen places before finishing in tenth overall place. We set out to ride a good, intelligent race. We started well in Peru, had a complicated stint in Bolivia and then were able to pull things back in Argentina. We went from seventh to fifteenth before finishing in tenth final position. This was something that we had dreamed about and planned for a few years now. Finally we have fulfilled our aim. I’m really pleased to have achieved it with the Monster Energy Honda Team and I’m really happy that they gave me the chance to do so. It wasn’t easy, but we finished the race without problems, said Cornejo.
Kevin Benavides #47 – Stage: 1st Overall: 2nd : « It’s been a great Dakar. I’m really happy and I felt great. It’s been really tough. We fought right up until the end. We always had a great strategy. We were always on the podium and were even leading the race at one point. It’s a shame about what happened in stage ten, but we have to keep looking forward. We’ve finished second overall and we have won the final stage, which we knew we could. »
Raul Castells – Monster Energy Honda Team Manager : « We have finished this really hard Dakar which has put everyone to the test and where Monster Energy Honda Team has clinched the second final position with Kevin Benavides who, in addition, won the final stage. I want to congratulate him for his success and his work and also the whole team for making it possible, since behind the riders there is a large group of professionals working very hard. And not only has Kevin achieved an excellent result, but we must also highlight the tenth final position of Nacho Cornejo, who has strictly carried out the role entrusted upon him. Thanks also to Joan Barreda for having tried so hard until the end and also to Mika Metge and Ricky Brabec for their important work. »
Rider Standings -Final Standings
1. Walkner Matthias (AUT) – Red Bull KTM Rally Factory Team, 43:06’01
2. Benavides Kevin (ARG) – Monster Energy Honda Team, +16’53
3. Price Toby (AUS) – Red Bull KTM Rally Factory Team, +23’01
4. Meo Antoine (FRA) – Red Bull KTM Rally Factory Team, +47’28
5. Farres Gerard (SPA) – Himoinsa Team, +01:01’04
6. Aubert Johnny (FRA) – Gas Gas Racing, +01:53’53
7. Mena Oriol (SPA) – Hero Motorsports Team Rally, +02:22’52
8. Quintanilla Pablo (CHI) – Husqvarna Factory Rally Team, +02:24’05
9. Oliveras Daniel (SPA) – Himoinsa Team, +02:37’20
10. Cornejo José Ignacio (CHI) – Monster Energy Honda Team, +02:42’36…
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