Adrien Van Beveren got today his first victory as a rider from Monster Energy Honda Team, after a great performance on the last stage of the Andalucia Rally. There was a second reason to celebrate: the title of Manufacturers FIM Cross Country Rallies World Champion.
There was a lot of tension in this last day, reaching Cadiz after a 100 kilometres special stage (plus 300 km of liaison). Riders had the chance to experience an intense journey speeding in large dirt roads, but also challenged to navigate in small mountains in more slow and technical terrains. In the end Adrien Van Beveren was 16 seconds faster than Kevin Benavides and won another stage. In the overall standings the Frenchman could celebrate an emotional victory, having his family right beside him. 2020 Dakar winner Ricky Brabec was 6th in stage 4 and José Ignacio Cornejo 11th.
The 2022 season is over and FIM has already announced the 2023 calendar. The start will be once again in Saudi Arabia with the Dakar Rally (31/12 – 15/01), followed by the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge (25/02 – 02/03), two new entries – Sonora Rally in Mexico (22-28/04) and Desafio Ruta 40 in Argentina (26/08-01/09) – and finally the last stop will be at Rallye du Maroc (12-18/10).
Ruben Faria – General Manager : « I am very happy with our team! It was a pity Pablo Quintanilla couldn’t race here in Andalucia Rally, due to an injury caused by a crash in the Rallye du Maroc. Adrien Van Beveren was really strong since day one. Yesterday he made a fantastic stage defending the lead and today he just confirmed his great moment giving his first victory for Monster Energy Honda Team. Overall it was a great journey allowing us to confirm the Manufacturers title – so Honda is FIM Cross Country Rallies World Champion! For this achievement I have to thank all our sponsors. Now it’s time to focus in the Dakar 2023 where we will start with a clear goal: to win. »
Adrien Van Beveren #42 : « This is not Dakar, but for me it was very important to win here in Andalucia. I knew Kevin Benavides would push a lot, so I had to go as fast as I could. I must say this victory goes also to my family that is here today with me. They are always on my back supporting me…This is a very emotional day. The Honda CRF450 RALLY is really amazing, comfortable, safe and allows me to reach a great performance. I am so happy to deliver this first victory to Honda since they welcomed me like family. Now I am looking forward to the next Dakar. »
Ricky Brabec #2 : « I am just happy to finish the race safe. Overall the rally was good, the first day wasn’t the best for us – we had a lot of trouble finding the rhythm. Out here is definitely tough for me, coming from California – I like the open desert – and here there are a lot of tracks and small roads. Now I am happy to get home in one piece and start focussing in the Dakar. I am also happy to get to race number 2 two years in a row. The all team did a great job, the Honda CRF450 RALLY is really good. Looking forward for the Dakar 2023! »
José Ignacio Cornejo #11 : « We finished the Andalucia Rally and I have to confess I was not particularly happy. I didn’t feel an hundred percent connected with the route and this kind of race. Anyway the season is over and I was quite regular. I have to learn from my mistakes and move on. In a couple of months we will have the Dakar and I am quite motivated to fight for a good result for my team. »
Rider Standings
1. Van Beveren Adrien – FRA – Monster Energy Honda Team, 09h58m48s
2. Benavides Kevin – ARG – Red Bull KTM Rally Factory Team, 10h02m02s
3. Benavides Luciano – ARG – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, 10h05m25s
4. Santolino Lorenzo – SPA – Sherco TVS Rally Factory, 10h11m43s
5. Sunderland Sam – GBR – Gas Gas Factory Team, 10h14m10s…
8. Brabec Ricky – USA – Monster Energy Honda Team, 10h19m10s…
11. Cornejo José Ignacio – CHI Monster Energy Honda Team, 10h41m31s…