Team HRC: Road to Dakar 2024

The Monster Energy Honda Team is ready to take on the 2024 World Rally-Raid Championship season on its new HONDA CRF450Rally.

Words & Images: Monster Energy Honda Team

Honda are very happy to have the top riders who will give their best every time they get on the bike with Pablo Quintanilla, Ricky Brabec, Skyler Howes, Nacho Cornejo, Adrien Van Beveren and Tosha Schareina .

The machine of former winner Ricky Brabec waits for action.

The past 2023 season for the Monster Energy Honda Team riders has been a rollercoaster of emotions, full of glorious triumphs and challenges. This team represents not only the pursuit of victory on the stage, but also the will to overcome any obstacle on the road to success. All the team’s hard work last season was rewarded with another FIM Manufacturers’ World Championship title.

With less than a week to go until the start of the 2024 season with a revamped Dakar, with slight changes reminiscent of the Dakar of old. With big liaisons and very long stages that will make this Dakar one of the toughest in recent years. The 2024 Dakar Rally will start on 5th January for the fifth consecutive year in Saudi Arabia with a prologue stage that will decide the starting order for Stage One.

Pablo Quintanilla has his sights set on nothing short of the overall victory.

Pablo Quintanilla #7

His skill and dedication have made him a prominent figure in the world of motorsport, with achievements in various international competitions.

“It’s not only a race for me, it’s a way of life. You try to do your best all the time and I think it’s important for life. For me it’s really important to race for the victory. I’m feel that I’m able to win this race. ”

Ricky Brabec #9

Brabec has made a significant mark on international competition, establishing himself as one of the favourite names after winning the Dakar in 2020.

“It’s a way of living, every day I wake up thinking about Dakar. Obviously the goal for the Dakar is to get Honda on top. This new Marathon stage is gonna be tricky, a few different bivouacs and you’re gonna need to choose one, the strategy will be key.”

Skyler Howes #10

A prominent figure in the demanding world of off-road racing. With notable achievements, Howes continues to make his mark in international competitions, establishing himself as a leading talent in this exciting sport.

“The Dakar to me is just an ultimate challenge.  The Dakar is an adventure, every day is different, you live life to the fullest… for me the main goal is to enjoy every single kilometre.”

Jose Ignacio “Nacho” Cornejo #11

Chilean rider who will be with us for one more season. Renowned for his bravery in challenging terrain, Cornejo continues to push boundaries with our team and leave his distinctive mark on every international race he undertakes.

“For me Dakar is an adventure with yourself, it puts you on a test in every way. At Dakar the goal for this year is to improve the results of the last couple of years”

Adrien Van Beveren #42

His determination and vibrant character not only make him stand out on the track, but also make him an inspirational figure for motorsport fans around the world.

“Dakar is everything for me, all my life is around Dakar. Dakar goal for this year its to go for the win, it’s been my goal since many years. I’ve been close sometimes and I feel it’s the moment.”

Tosha Schareina. #68

Spanish rider who has demonstrated his great talent by making an incredible finish to the 2023 season.

“To be here in Dakar is a dream come true, I’ve been watching the Dakar since I was little and being here is incredible. We are going to fight for it”

How’s that for a drop-off? All in a day’s work at the Dakar for the likes of Nacho Cornejo.

NEW HONDA CRF450Rally

For this season, in 2024, we change our machine leaving behind the old CRF450Rally that has given us so much joy. We take a step forward with the presentation of the new Honda CRF450Rally, after a long period of work and effort by the whole team in the toughest terrains of the world.

The first impression of the CRF450Rally is striking: an aggressive design that reflects its competitive nature. Every detail has been meticulously considered to ensure strength and durability, while remaining surprisingly light. With the new Honda CRF450Rally, the Monster Energy Honda Team is gearing up for an exciting rally season. The riders are eager to put this new creation to the test in competitions like the Dakar Rally, where endurance and reliability are as crucial as pure speed. The CRF450Rally promises not just to compete, but to dominate the world’s most challenging terrain.

In short, the new Monster Energy Honda Team CRF450Rally bike is not just an evolution, but a revolution in the world of off-road racing. With its cutting-edge design, state-of-the-art technology and the backing of an elite team, the CRF450Rally is poised to set a milestone in rally history and lead the Monster Energy Honda Team riders to victory.

Ruben Faria (General Manager)

“The Dakar 2024 is just around the corner and the Monster Energy Honda Team is so far so good, the riders are very happy with the motorcycle and all are in good physical condition. Dakar 2024 will be very difficult but 2023 season was a year of evolution for the team and the victory in the team/manufacturers’ World Championship gave us the certainty that we have a very strong working group in all areas and that gives confidence to all levels to fight for the highest place on the podium, where we stopped with victory in 2020 and 2021.”