Martim Ventura secured a place on the Rally 2 podium with a determined performance on day three of Rally-Raid Portugal.
Following yesterday’s challenging wet conditions, the Monster Energy Honda HRC Rally 2 pairing of Ventura and Preston Campbell approached stage two with renewed focus. Crossing from Portugal into Spain, the riders faced a varied route where sandy terrain gave way to mountain tracks, before opening into farmland plains over 377 km of timed action, finishing in Badajoz.
It proved to be a standout day for Ventura, as after struggling with less than full fitness since the start of the rally, he found his rhythm and consistently ran at the front, even challenging Rally GP competitors. Adapting seamlessly to both Portuguese and Spanish terrain aboard his Honda CRF450 Rally RX, Ventura delivered a composed and consistent ride through the checkpoints to finish second on the stage. His performance elevated him from seventh to third overall in Rally 2, placing him on the provisional podium, 10’13” behind fellow countryman Bruno Santos.
Campbell, meanwhile, endured a more difficult day as he adjusted to the changing terrain in Spain. He completed the stage in sixth, 9’10” off the fastest time, and now sits sixth overall with a 12’56 deficit. Despite the gap, he remains firmly in podium contention, with just three and a half minutes separating him from second place.
With rain forecast to return, tomorrow’s stage will see a full day of racing in Spain’s rural Extremadura region. The riders face 297 km of timed action and a 205 km liaison as they continue their push toward the finish in Loulé this Sunday in this third edition of Rally-Raid Portugal.
Ruben Faria – General Manager : « Martim rode a strong stage to finish second in the Rally 2 class, despite a late problem with his road book tablet. He lost the screen, but since he was already on the final section, it didn’t cost him too much time. He’s now very close to second overall so will keep the pressure on in the coming days. Preston lost some time, finishing sixth. When the terrain gets really technical, American riders tend to struggle a bit as they don’t have this kind of terrain back home. Tomorrow should suit him better with less water and faster tracks.
« Overall, it was a strong day and we’re happy with the results. We’re at the midway point now and will take it day by day. »
Martim Ventura #84 – Stage: 2nd Overall: 3rd : « I’m happier with my performance today. I managed to get into a good rhythm, but still had some pain which I had to manage. 22 km from the finish I had some problems with my road book tablet, but it was alright as I just cruised to the end, although I lost a bit of time. However, I’m happy with the day and tomorrow I’ll try to get more time back. »
Preston Campbell #85 – Stage: 6th Overall: 6th : « It was a long day, we started in Portugal in the rain on some sandy tracks that were super fun and then did a liaison over the mountain into Spain and it became harder and fast. It’s a lot drier and warmer over here, but overall the day was good. I felt good on the bike and looking forward to tomorrow and a full day in Spain, so we’ll see how we go. »
Rally 2 Result – Stage 2
1. Santos Bruno (POR) – BS Frutas Patricia Pilar, 2:54:02
2. Ventura Martim (POR) – Honda HRC, +4:35
3. Theric Neels (FRA) – Kove Factory Racing, +6:26
4. Simão Micael (POR) – Xraids Experience, +6:44
5. Mulec Toni (SLO) – BAS World KTM Racing Team, +9:04
6. Campbell Preston (USA) – Honda HRC, +9:10
7. Pellicer Alfredo (SPA) – Xraids Experience, +10:12
8. Knuiman Jeremy (NDL) – Xraids Experience, +19:29
9. Escofet Marti (SPA) – Joyride Race Service, +21:37
10. Zoldos Thomas (FRA) Aub’Moto, +26:30
Rider Standings
Rally 2 Provisional Standings After Stage 2
1. Santos Bruno (POR) – BS FRUTAS PATRICIA PILAR 4:34:27
2. Theric Neels (FRA) – Kove Factory Racing +9:25
3. Ventura Martim (POR) – Honda HRC +10:13
4. Simão Micael (POR) – Xraids Experience +11:56
5. Mulec Toni (SLO) – BAS World KTM Racing Team +12:55
6. Campbell Preston (USA) – Honda HRC +12:56
7. Pellicer Alfredo (SPA) – Xraids Experience +13:45
8. Knuiman Jeremy (NDL) – Xraids Experience +29:10
9. Escofet Marti (SPA) – Joyride Race Service +36:00
10. De Gavardo Tomás (CHI) – De Gavardo Team +42:27