The Monster Energy Honda HRC Team officially announced its lineup for the 2026 World Rally-Raid Championship, which gets underway in January with the Dakar Rally. The team will then focus on the BP Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal, the Desafio Ruta 40 (Argentina), the Rallye du Maroc and finally the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge.
The team is made up of former Dakar winner Ricky Brabec, Spaniard Tosha Schareina, Adrien Van Beveren and American Skyler Howes, who was injured for much of 2025. They will compete on the Honda CRF450 Rally.
Ruben Faria, the team’s general manager, said, “We are very close to the Dakar, and we are all eager to tackle the most important race of the year. We finished on a high note in Morocco with Tosha’s victory, and that gives us a lot of motivation. The riders are training physically and mentally for a very tough Dakar. We start in Yanbu and finish 13 days later in Yanbu. This year we are not going to the Empty Quarter, but it will still be a tough race because there are many kilometers and anything can happen. We are making the final preparations and looking forward to a new Dakar with great enthusiasm.”
“The next season means a lot,” Brabec said. “We have worked hard this year, going in the right direction after the Dakar. At the beginning of the year, I struggled a lot to find comfort, and every race we made correct improvements to be better for the 2026 season.
“I’m excited to head to my 11th Dakar with HRC, and I hope to do the job well enough to make it a victory for HRC and the team. Every rider is healthy, and the team is looking strong for the start of the 2026 season.
“For me personally, I feel like this year I have learned a lot about man and machine, especially rushing an injury in the Morocco rally in 2024 that held me back in the Dakar 2025. I had lost a ton of training time and preparation for this one just trying to recover well enough to get cleared and able to race. This season we remained healthy and are looking better than ever for the next season, and I’m happy to spend it with Monster Energy Honda HRC. They don’t give up, and neither do we.”
Howes said, “I think this year’s Dakar is going to be exciting. We’re not going to the Empty Quarter, which means we’ll face new kinds of challenges in the other regions, and the terrain variety looks great. It’s going to be a tough race, just like every year, but after all the hard work we’ve done as a team, I’m really looking forward to it.
“The rest of the season also looks promising. Portugal can be tricky with the weather, but it’s always fun, and going back to Argentina is something I’m excited about—the fans there, and in Europe, too, are incredible and bring a lot of energy. Hopefully, this year we get a bit more desert riding and fewer slippery tracks.
“Morocco, now under new management, could go either way: more challenging or similar to previous editions, but it’s always one of the best races. And finishing the season in the dunes of Abu Dhabi is going to be a great way to close the year. Overall, I think 2026 will be an amazing season. The training never stops, the teamwork never stops, and we’ll be pushing hard all year long.” CN
Monster Energy Honda HRC Launches New Rally2 Team for the 2026 W2RC Season
Competing under the same name, identity, and competitive vision as the RallyGP squad, this initiative reinforces Honda’s long-term commitment to developing emerging talent and strengthening its global rally-raid program.
Monster Energy, a key partner and long-standing supporter of Honda HRC, will back and accompany this new Rally2 project, demonstrating its continued trust in Honda’s direction and ambition. The team extends its sincere appreciation for Monster Energy’s ongoing support.
A Strong Lineup for 2026
The Monster Energy Honda HRC Rally2 team will field two promising riders, both representing the next generation of rally-raid talent.
Preston Campbell (USA)
With victories at events such as the Mint 400 and the Sonora Rally, Preston continues to build his own identity within the rally-raid world. Known for his adaptability, speed, and professionalism, the American rider is considered one of the most exciting prospects in the Rally2 category.
Martim Ventura (Portugal)
A standout competitor across Portugal and Spain, Martim brings proven speed and technical ability to the 2026 campaign. Winner of events such as the Baja Portalegre, he approaches this new season as a key opportunity to fight for top positions in Rally2.
A Project Built for Growth
For the 2026 season, the team will take on a demanding calendar that includes several of the most iconic rally-raid events worldwide. The mission is clear: to compete at the highest level in the Rally2 category, continue developing the Honda CRF450RX Rally, and strengthen the foundation of Honda HRC’s long-term sporting strategy.
The CRF450RX Rally continues to evolve year after year, embodying Honda’s dedication to innovation, reliability, and performance across the harshest terrain.
A Partnership That Drives the Future
Since 2017, Monster Energy has been a cornerstone of the Honda HRC program, contributing to some of the team’s most iconic achievements. Their renewed commitment to this new Rally2 structure highlights the strength of a partnership built on shared ambition and a passion for winning.
Honda HRC extends its gratitude to Monster Energy for their continued trust and support.
A New Chapter Begins
With Preston Campbell and Martim Ventura ready to take on the challenges of the season, the Monster Energy Honda HRC Rally2 team steps into 2026 with a clear direction, a competitive machine, and the ambition to become a leading force within the category.
Ruben Faria | General Manager
Two very young riders on the team who are beginning to make great strides in the world of rallying. We are developing the bike and are very happy with its performance. The main goal for this Dakar is for them to try to finish in the top 5 in their category and in the top 15 overall. They are learning very quickly and have what it takes to achieve this. It will be a tough Dakar as it is their first, but the whole team is behind them and will help them with whatever they need.
Martim Ventura #84
I am super Happy and grateful to ride my first Dakar with Honda. I have been training my whole life with this race in my mind and it´s amazing to have to the tools to ride fast and safe in the most difficult off-road race in the world. Portugal and Morocco were amazing test and development with the team, I gained a lot experience with my self and the bike. Although it´s my first Dakar I feel I have a lot of knowledge already to make a good race. See you soon in Saudi Arabia!
Preston Campbell #85
Looking forward to the 2026 Dakar with the Monster Energy Honda HRC team! The team and I have been working hard on all fronts—testing, preparation, and fine-tuning every detail—so I’m genuinely excited for the big adventure ahead. I’m excited for the big adventure ahead!
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