Monster Energy Honda HRC’s Rally2 rookies, Martim Ventura and Preston Campbell, delivered standout performances at the 2026 Dakar Rally, both securing podium finishes in their debut appearances.
Nearly 8,000 km of riding across Saudi Arabia’s spectacular landscapes came to an end after two demanding weeks, with the 13th and final stage around Yanbu featuring just 105 km of timed competition as the rally concluded on the shores of the Red Sea.
Competing in his first Dakar Rally, Preston Campbell demonstrated remarkable composure and maturity despite limited experience, having contested only two World Rally-Raid Championship rounds prior to the event. The 26-year-old American rider consistently ran among the Rally2 frontrunners throughout the rally and after taking the overall Rally2 lead on stage four, he held the top position until stage eleven. Although he began the final stage trailing rival Toni Mulec by more than six minutes, Campbell delivered a strong closing performance to reduce the gap to just 4’37.
Finishing as Rally2 Dakar Rally runner-up, Campbell capped off an exceptional debut by also claiming top rookie honours and securing a place inside the overall top ten in the bike category.
Fellow rookie and teammate Martim Ventura experienced the full spectrum of Dakar challenges. The 25-year-old Portuguese rider claimed his maiden Dakar stage victory on stage two, but suffered a significant setback two stages later when a mechanical issue cost him over two hours. Dropping to ninth overall, Ventura responded with determination, mounting an impressive comeback that included another stage win in the second week and a hard-earned final spot on the Rally2 podium.
His performance highlighted both his resilience and the competitiveness of the Honda CRF450RX RALLY, rounding out a highly successful Dakar debut.
Following their outstanding first Dakar Rally appearances, Ventura and Campbell will now take time to recover before returning to action at Rally-Raid Portugal from 17-22 March, where both riders will be aiming to fight for Rally2 victory once again.
Ruben Faria – General Manager : « Rally 2 has been a very positive experience for the team, what Preston and Martim achieved in this Dakar is something to be proud of, especially considering the level of competition and the difficulty of the rally.
« Preston showed maturity beyond his years, fighting for the victory until the end and finishing second overall while also earning the Rookie of the Dakar title.
« Martim delivered a very intelligent and consistent rally. He managed difficult moments extremely well, won two stages and spent several days inside the overall top 10, which is remarkable for his first Dakar. Finishing third overall reflects not only his speed, but also his ability to learn and adapt day by day.
« Behind these results there is a huge amount of work from the mechanics, engineers and the entire team. Dakar showed that we’re clearly on the right path. »
Martim Ventura #84 – Stage: 2nd Overall: 3rd : « I’m super happy with my performance at my first Dakar Rally. We had some problems during the race which pushed me back a bit in the overall. I have a lot to improve, I’m 100% sure that one day I’ll be on the top step, so I’m working on it everyday and from now on. I’m super happy and my bike worked so well, so thank you to the team.
Preston Campbell #85 – Stage: 3rd Overall: 2nd : « I just tried to do my best everyday and some days weren’t as good as the others, but I’m happy to be the top rookie and make it into the top ten overall, so I’m super happy with that. I can’t thank the team enough and I look forward to the next one. »
Rally2 Race Result – Stage 13
1. Docherty Michael (RSA) – BAS World KTM Racing Team, 49:53
2. Ventura Martim (POR) – Honda HRC, + 02:28
3. Campbell Preston (USA) – Honda HRC, + 03:03
4. Lucci Paolo (ITA) – RSMOTO HRC Race Service, + 04:04
5. Dabrowski Konrad (POL) – Duust Rally Team, + 04:09
6. Mulec Toni (SLO) – BAS World KTM Racing Team, + 04:38
7. Erdenebileg Khaliunbold (MNG) – BAS World KTM Racing Team, + 05:00
8. Pedró Josep (SPA) – Pedrega Team, + 05:24
9. Drdaj Dusan (CZE) – Cajdasrot, + 05:26
Rider Standings
Rally2 Provisional Standings After Stage 13
1. Mulec Toni (SLO) – BAS World KTM Racing Team, 51:57:59
2. Campbell Preston (USA) – Honda HRC, + 04:37
3. Ventura Martim (POR) – Honda HRC, + 01:37:15
4. Dabrowski Konrad (POL) – Duust Rally Team, + 02:22:40
5. Jucius Nerimantas (LTU) – HT Rally Raid, + 02:38:03
6. Erdenebileg Khaliunbold (MNG) – BAS World KTM Racing Team, + 02:45:43
7. Santos Bruno (POR) – BS Frutas Patricia Pilar, + 03:25:16
8. Melot Benjamin (FRA) – Team Esprit KTM, + 03:50:53
9. Pedró Josep (SPA) – Pedrega Team, + 04:05:25
10. Engel Milan (CZE) – Moto Racing Group – MRG, + 04:06:23