With the 2026 World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) fast approaching, Monster Energy Honda HRC has unveiled an expanded structure that will see a brand-new Rally2 team competing under the same name, identity, and competitive vision as its RallyGP outfit.
The move reinforces Honda’s long-term commitment to developing emerging rally-raid talent while strengthening its global footprint in the discipline.
Monster Energy, a long-standing and influential partner of Honda HRC, will continue its support by backing this new Rally2 project. Honda has acknowledged the company’s ongoing trust and belief in its direction and future ambitions.
The new squad will field two promising young riders who represent the next wave of rally-raid talent. Preston Campbell, already a Mint 400 and Sonora Rally winner, arrives with a reputation for speed, adaptability, and a growing list of standout performances. Honda describes the American as one of the most exciting prospects in the Rally2 field. Joining him is Martim Ventura, a rising star from Portugal with proven success across Portugal and Spain, including victories such as the Baja Portalegre. Ventura enters 2026 viewing the Rally2 championship as a major opportunity to fight for top positions.
The Rally2 team will undertake a demanding international calendar next year, with the mission to compete at the highest level in the category while continuing to develop the Honda CRF450RX Rally. The bike, Honda notes, is evolving year after year as the manufacturer pushes innovation, reliability, and performance across the harshest terrain.
As the 2026 season begins, Campbell and Ventura step into their new roles with confidence, a competitive machine beneath them, and a clear direction for the year ahead.
Honda HRC General Manager Ruben Faria said the new Rally2 program reflects both the riders’ growth and the team’s ongoing development work. “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.”
Ventura said riding for Honda in his first Dakar was the fulfilment of a long-held ambition. “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 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 of experience with myself 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!”
Campbell echoed that excitement as he looks ahead to 2026. “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!”
