The 2024 Dakar Rally began on the worst potential word for Monster Vitality Honda Rally Group when their new hotshot rider Tosha Schareina went from profitable the Prologue to crashing out the next day. Fortuitously, his team-mates picked up the place he left off as they mixed to win seven of twelve phases whereas Ricky Brabec held off Ross Department for his second Dakar win and first since 2020.
Department appeared to spoil the social gathering for his fellow Monster Vitality riders at rival Honda, and struck first when he gained Stage #1. Nonetheless, the Hondas got here to life afterwards as José Ignacio Cornejo claimed three phases with extra contributions from Pablo Quintanilla and Adrien Van Beveren. The trio gained 4 consecutive phases from Stage #4 to #7, together with a 1–2 end with Cornejo and Brabec firstly of that streak.
Brabec solely contributed one stage win, nevertheless it was a dominant run for his workforce as he, Cornejo, and Van Beveren swept the Stage #10 podium; maybe making that day’s win all of the sweeter, his girlfriend Sara Value concurrently turned the primary American lady to win a stage when she topped the SSV class. Getting into the ultimate stage, he led Department by simply over ten minutes then completed forward of him on the final day to ice the victory. Van Beveren joined them on the rostrum.
“It wasn’t straightforward because the course was actually powerful and so was the competitors. Ross and my very own workforce stored me on my toes, however not simply me—I believe we have been holding everybody on one another’s toes,” mentioned Brabec.
“This time was a bit bit totally different as I really feel like this one was extra earned because it was lots more durable. In 2020, we had an enormous hole from the get-go. Right here, I believe me and Ross spent three days with a few seconds distinction. It was a good race for all of us. I believe between first and third there are eleven minutes or one thing, no matter Adrien obtained, nevertheless it’s been a good race and ten minutes is just not an enormous hole right here on the rally. I had two good days, two alternatives to make an excellent push, but additionally Stage #11 was a scare issue for me as a result of I knew Ross was beginning behind me, eighteen minutes behind, and if he caught me it could be over. Stage #11 was exhausting however I stayed targeted, obtained to the ending line and didn’t lose an excessive amount of time, so I’m actually pleased with this and I’m actually pleased for the workforce. I’m pleased for all of us, we did a superb job the entire two weeks.
Curiously, Brabec races with #9 whereas 2024 was his ninth Dakar Rally, throughout which he scored his ninth profession stage win within the race excluding Prologues; he even completed ninth in his Dakar début in 2016. To this finish, he quipped, “I believe quantity 9 can be my fortunate quantity any more.”
Though he got here up in need of the win, Department’s runner-up remains to be a purpose to have a good time as Hero MotoSports turned the primary Indian producer to attain a podium in any class. Department needed to carry the flag in any case three of his team-mates retired as a result of crashes (Sebastian Bühler and Joaquim Rodrigues) or mechanical failure (Joan Barreda).
“Ending on the rostrum was all the time the aim, and in the present day it’s a dream come true,” commented Department, who recorded one of the best end for a Botswanan within the Dakar. “I’m actually over the moon to realize this aim for Hero. A giant thanks to the workforce for creating a extremely aggressive machine, for the sleepless three weeks right here, and for every part they’ve sacrificed to succeed in up to now. I’m actually happy with my workforce. We’ve obtained some extra work to do to be on the subsequent step, so we’ll sit up for that within the subsequent yr.”
Reigning Dakar winner Kevin Benavides, himself a former Honda rider, completed fourth together with his team-mate and World Rally-Raid Championship runner-up Toby Value proper behind. Nonetheless, neither are registered for the 2024 championship which bumps Cornejo as much as fourth amongst points-eligible riders. Final yr’s champion Luciano Benavides additionally didn’t earn factors as he completed seventh.
Mason Klein was among the many class’s ten retirements after a chaotic maiden RallyGP begin for Kove Moto. Barreda bowed out in his first begin for Hero.
RallyGP total outcomes
RallyGP stage winners
W2RC RallyGP standings
For readability, riders registered for the championship who’ve but to earn factors will not be listed.
