The 34th edition of the Sertões got underway on Saturday in Goiânia, Goiás, with Monster Energy Honda HRC rider Tosha Schareina making the perfect start to his title defence in Brazil.
The opening day featured the traditional prologue, held early in the morning, followed by the Super Prime in front of a large and enthusiastic crowd. The knockout-style format brought an intense first taste of competition, with riders going head-to-head in a short and fast battle for the best starting positions for the opening stage.
Schareina was the fastest Moto 1 rider in both the prologue and the Super Prime, securing the Sylvio de Barros Trophy and earning a privileged starting position for Sunday’s first stage. The Spanish rider, who won the motorcycle category of the Sertões in 2025, will once again compete aboard the Honda CRF 450 Rally.
Martim Ventura also enjoyed a positive opening day with Monster Energy Honda HRC. Riding in Moto 2 with the Honda CRF 450 RX Rally, the Portuguese rider finished fourth in the prologue, earning his place among the eight riders advancing to the Super Prime and securing a position within the elite starting group for the opening stage.
For Ventura, the Super Prime also offered an opportunity to experience the unique atmosphere of the Sertões, where the close proximity between the riders and the Brazilian fans creates an atmosphere very different from that found at many rounds of the World Rally-Raid Championship.
« It was a very good day, especially the Super Prime, which had a great atmosphere with the public. It’s very different from the World Championship races, where we don’t have this much contact with the fans. I really enjoyed the experience, » said Ventura.
The opening day has set the stage for what promises to be a demanding edition of the Sertões. The 2026 route covers more than 4,000 kilometres, including 2,611 kilometres of timed special stages across eight stages, taking the rally through the Brazilian states of Goiás, Bahia and Tocantins before returning to Goiânia for the finish on August 30.
The first real test comes on Sunday, with Stage 1 linking Goiânia to Cavalcante in Goiás. The opening stage covers 651 kilometres in total, including 343 kilometres of timed special.
After the short and intense opening battles, the Sertões now moves into its main challenge. For Schareina and Ventura, the focus turns to the long days ahead and the demanding terrain of one of South America’s most iconic rally-raid events.
Tosha Schareina #68 : « After the prologue this morning, which was really good, we finished the day with another victory in the Super Prime. The prologue was around six kilometres, with some slippery sections and other parts that were very fast and dry, so it was a good challenge.
« I was really excited about this kind of Super Prime because it reminds me of the Super Test we had on Friday — an Enduro-style battle between two riders, where if you win the lap, you move on. It’s a bit like an American or Speedway-style format, so it was really fun.
« We managed to take the victory, so I’m very happy. This result also gives us the opportunity to choose our starting position for tomorrow, and I think I’ll be able to start towards the front.
« I’m really happy with today because we managed to win both the prologue and the Super Prime. Everything went as well as possible, but the real race starts tomorrow. Let’s go for it!
« The real race starts now. »
Martim Ventura #84 : « It’s our first day here and overall it went well. We made a few mistakes in the prologue, but it’s okay. It’s been a very good day, with a lot of action and a great show for the public.
« The prologue and the Super Stage were incredible for the spectators. It’s really good to have this kind of contact with the public.
« As for the race, we finished fourth in the prologue and then had the Super Stage. It went well — not perfectly, but well — and the bike is working fine.
« Tomorrow is the first long day, so we need to keep our heads clear, stay focused, find a good rhythm and have a good day. »