Monster Energy Honda HRC’s new Rally 2 recruit Bruno Crivilin, delivered a sensational performance on stage one of the Desafío Ruta 40, claiming his maiden World Rally-Raid Championship stage victory as the team swept the entire Rally 2 podium.
After a 91 km liaison from San Juan, riders faced a demanding 311 km timed special packed with technical navigation challenges through Argentina’s vast dry riverbeds. Twisting canyon tracks and dusty river crossings created a maze-like route where precision and concentration were critical throughout the day.
Drawing on his extensive enduro experience, Bruno Crivilin continued his impressive start to life in rally raid with a flawless ride aboard the Honda CRF450RX RALLY. Running comfortably inside the top eight overall after the opening 35 km, the Brazilian rookie stayed within striking distance of pace-setter Michael Docherty before increasing the pressure in the second half of the stage.
Crivilin maintained his speed and composure to secure victory by just 22 seconds, becoming the first Brazilian rider to win a stage on two wheels in the World Rally-Raid Championship. The result also moves him into second place in the overall Rally 2 standings.
Following his Rally 2 prologue victory, Martim Ventura entered stage one determined to extend his momentum. Although the Portuguese rider struggled to fully settle into his rhythm, he still delivered a strong performance to finish directly behind Crivilin. More importantly, Ventura now leads the Rally 2 overall standings by 17 seconds over his teammate heading into stage two.
Preston Campbell also impressed on terrain that suited his riding style perfectly. Feeling confident with his bike setup, the American attacked the demanding riverbeds and finished just 40 seconds behind Crivilin. Only 30 seconds now separate Campbell from Ventura in the overall standings.
Crivilin’s landmark victory also marked an historic moment for the Monster Energy Honda HRC Rally 2 squad, securing the team’s first-ever full stage podium sweep in the World Rally-Raid Championship.
The riders are now at the San Juan bivouac to recover before tackling stage two, where a gruelling 634 km route awaits in what promises to be another punishing day in Argentina.
Ruben Faria – General Manager : « What a start for Bruno in Rally 2. He took the stage victory despite starting in the dust and catching several slower riders early in the stage. In some sections he was riding really fast and showing great pace. Even with the difficult conditions, he managed the stage very well.
« Martim finished very close to Bruno. He didn’t feel completely comfortable today, but still did a really strong job. He lost a little bit of time in some areas, but overall it was a solid day for him and he now moves into the overall lead. Martim finished ahead of Tony Mulec today, which is significant since the two were neck and neck in the World Cup Championship , which could be very valuable for the rest of the season. Now we’ll see what the next days bring.
« Preston also finished close to Martim and Bruno, and all three riders completed a very solid stage.
« Martim, Preston and Bruno are in a position to fight for the overall victory. »
Bruno Crivilin #69 – Stage: 1st Overall: 2nd : « I’m very happy today. The stage was good, some parts fast, some parts more technical in the rivers. The first 100 km was difficult as I took too much dust from the other guys. I’m happy, the bike is working good, the team also. I’m happy as I’m living my dream. »
Martim Ventura #84 – Stage: 2nd Overall: 1st : « It was quite a tough stage for me as I didn’t quite get into my rhythm. It’s just the first stage and we have a lot more in front of us. It’s a beautiful country to ride my bike. My bike is amazing also and I’m feeling good for the next few days, although it will be challenging. I’m ready for the fight. »
Preston Campbell #85 – Stage: 3rd Overall: 3rd : « Stage one was a good day overall. We started early on a pretty cold morning, but from the first kilometres I felt comfortable with the terrain and the conditions. The Honda CRF450RX RALLY was working really well all day, which gave me the confidence to keep pushing and maintain a solid rhythm throughout the stage. I’m happy with how the day went and with the feeling on the bike. There’s still a long way to go in this rally, but it’s a positive start and I’m looking forward to stage two. »
Rally 2 Result – Stage
1. Crivilin Bruno (BRA) – Honda HRC, 03:52:59
2. Ventura Martim (POR) – Honda HRC, + 00:22
3. Campbell Preston (USA) – Honda HRC, + 00:40
4. Pellicer Alfredo (SPA) – Xraids Experience, + 05:33
5. Mulec Toni (SLO) – BAS World KTM Racing Team, + 07:35
6. Herrera Ried Benjamín (CHI) – Xraids Experience, + 14:58
7. Escofet Marti (SPA) – Joyride Race Service, + 21:03
8. Pascual Jeremías (ARG) – Kove Argentina, + 22:08
9. Pascual Benjamín (ARG) – Kove Argentina, + 25:27
10. De Gavardo Tomás (CHI) – De Gavardo Team, + 37:14
Rider Standings
Rally 2 Provisional Standings after Stage 1
1. Ventura Martim (POR) – Honda HRC, 03:58:27
2. Crivilin Bruno (BRA) – Honda HRC, + 00:17
3. Campbell Preston (USA) – Honda HRC, + 00:32
4. Pellicer Alfredo (SPA) – Xraids Experience, + 05:42
5. Mulec Toni (SLO) – BAS World KTM Racing Team, + 07:34
6. Herrera Ried Benjamín (CHI) – Xraids Experience, + 15:44
7. Escofet Marti (SPA) – Joyride Race Service, + 21:31
8. Pascual Jeremías (ARG) – Kove Argentina, + 22:12
9. Pascual Benjamín (ARG) – Kove Argentina, + 25:46
10. De Gavardo Tomás (CHI) – De Gavardo Team, + 38:04…