Monster Energy Honda HRC’s Martim Ventura capped off a sensational week at the Rallye du Maroc with victory on the final stage, sealing the Rally 2 overall win and his second consecutive Rally-Raid World Cup triumph in commanding fashion.
Just 257 km of racing against the clock stood between Ventura and victory when he rolled off the start line for the final time. With 355 km to cover in total and two timed sections awaiting the riders, there was still plenty of work to do before a final 23 km dash brought the field back to the Zagora bivouac.
Competing in only his second Rallye du Maroc, Ventura had been the benchmark in Rally 2 throughout the week, combining impressive speed with consistency across some of Morocco’s toughest terrain. He once again set the pace on the final day, taking his fourth stage victory of the rally to put the perfect finishing touch on an outstanding performance.
After five demanding days of racing, Ventura crossed the finish line with a commanding 30-minute advantage over nearest rival Michael Docherty, securing back-to-back World Cup victories and strengthening his position at the top of the championship standings. With one round remaining, he now holds an 18-point advantage.
Preston Campbell also had plenty to celebrate after steadily building his challenge for the overall podium throughout the week. After moving into third place on stage two, the American absorbed sustained pressure from Neels Theric and refused to give up his position. His determination was rewarded at the finish as Campbell secured his second podium of the year, adding third place in Morocco to his runner-up result at the Dakar Rally. The result also keeps him firmly in the championship fight, with Campbell now just eight points behind second-placed Toni Mulec heading into the final round.
Making his Rallye du Maroc debut, Bruno Crivilin began his Moroccan adventure in impressive fashion by taking the Rally 2 prologue victory. From there, the Brazilian focused on consistency and building valuable experience across the vast dunes and demanding navigation that make the event such an important test. Stage three provided one of his biggest challenges as he faced the formidable Merzouga dunes and it proved a tough battle for the young Brazilian, but he continued to learn and improve as the rally progressed.
Crivilin ultimately reached the finish in sixth place overall, bringing his debut Rallye du Maroc to a positive conclusion with a wealth of experience gained from five demanding days in the Moroccan desert.
With a successful Moroccan adventure complete, attention now turns to the final round of the season and the continued build-up towards the Dakar.
Ruben Faria – General Manager : « The final day wasn’t a particularly long stage, but there were still plenty of dunes and some areas where the navigation was difficult. Martim has made a huge improvement since the Desafío Ruta 40, he has taken a big step forward and really showed that this week, winning four stages, including today. To finish with the Rally 2 victory is fantastic for him and for the whole team. It will give him even more confidence heading into the next rally and the final championship battle.
« Preston finished fifth today and did exactly what he needed to do. He rode well, stayed smooth, avoided any mistakes and brought the bike safely back to the bivouac without any issues. It’s been a really good rally for him as well and to finish on the overall podium is a great reward for the consistency he has shown throughout the week.
« For Bruno, racing in Morocco for the first time and competing in only his second rally, I think his performance has been really impressive. He suffered a lot on the second day because he wasn’t used to racing in such high temperatures and dealing with so many dunes, the sand and the camel grass. It was always going to be a big challenge, but that’s rally-raid. He made a couple of mistakes along the way, which is completely normal with his level of experience, but he kept learning and fighting all week. To finish sixth overall on his first Rallye du Maroc is a very strong result.
« I’m also extremely happy with the whole team. Everyone has worked hard every single day and prepared everything exactly as they needed to. The bikes have performed really well throughout the rally with no major problems and the riders have delivered some great results. It’s been a very positive rally for all of us. »
Bruno Crivilin #69 – Stage: 6th Overall: 6th : « My first Rallye du Maroc is finished and I’m really happy with the experience. The final stage was really nice. I was pushing hard in the first part and then we got to the dunes, where it was another opportunity to learn and gain more experience.
« The team has worked really well all week and I’ve been really happy with the bike. It was especially fast through the rocky sections, which I really enjoyed. I’ve learned so much during my first time racing here in Morocco and overall, I’ve really enjoyed the rally. It’s been a great experience and an important step for me.
Martim Ventura #84 – Stage: 1st Overall: 1st : « It’s been a really good week and the rhythm was there from the beginning. I know I still have a lot to improve, especially with my navigation. When you start riding faster, everything comes at you quicker and you have to make those navigation decisions even faster, so that’s something I know I need to keep working on.
« But I have to be happy with what we’ve achieved here. We have an incredible team with a real desire to win and I’m surrounded by the people I want by my side. Everyone has worked so hard and this result is a reflection of that. »
Preston Campbell #85 – Stage: 5th Overall: 3rd : « Last year was my first time racing here in Morocco and I think all the experience I’ve gained over the past year really helped me this week. I don’t think I could have performed like this without that year of training and racing behind me.
« To be able to push throughout the whole rally, stay strong and keep the pace across all those kilometres has been a great experience. Being out there on the bike, you see incredible parts of the desert and places you might never see again, so that’s something really special.
« There’s still plenty for me to work on, especially with my navigation. I just need to keep learning, keep training and continue improving so I can be the best rider I can be for the rallies ahead. »
Rally 2 Result – Stage 5
1. Ventura Martim (POR) – Honda HRC, 01:58:17
2. Docherty Michael (RSA) – BAS World KTM Racing Team, + 01:20
3. Bozzo Bruno (SPA) – Pedrega Team, + 02:19
4. Theric Neels (FRA) – Kove Factory Racing, + 03:35
5. Campbell Preston (USA) – Honda HRC, + 04:04
6. Crivilin Bruno (BRA) – Honda HRC, + 05:40
7. Mulec Toni (SLO) – BAS World KTM Racing Team, + 06:14
8. Lucci Paolo (ITA) – RSMOTO HRC Race Service, + 06:41
9. Barbosa Ruy (CHI) – HT Rally Raid, + 09:41
10. Doveze Mathieu (FRA) – BAS World KTM Racing Team, + 10:26
Rider Standings
Provisional Rally 2 Standings after Stage 5
1. Ventura Martim (POR) – Honda HRC, 15:57:04
2. Docherty Michael (RSA) – BAS World KTM Racing Team, + 30:45
3. Campbell Preston (USA) – Honda HRC, + 38:39
4. Theric Neels (FRA) – Kove Factory Racing, + 43:26
5. Mulec Toni (SLO) – BAS World KTM Racing Team, + 50:35
6. Crivilin Bruno (BRA) – Honda HRC, + 59:14
7. Bozzo Bruno (SPA) – Pedrega Team, + 01:01:18
8. Barbosa Ruy (CHI) – HT Rally Raid, + 01:07:28
9. Lucci Paolo (ITA) – RSMOTO HRC Race Service, + 01:14:21
10. Pellicer Alfredo (SPA) – Xraids Experience, + 01:21:02