On January 22, 2024, in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia, Monster Energy Honda Team’s Ricky Brabec, aged 32, astride the CRF450 RALLY factory bike, secured a triumph in the motorcycle category at the Dakar Rally 2024.
This victory marks his second since 2020 and signifies Honda’s return to Dakar Rally success, the first since 2021. The Dakar Rally, serving as the opening round of the FIM* World Rally-Raid Championship in Saudi Arabia, concluded with Stage 12 on Friday, January 19.
Brabec, making his Dakar Rally debut in 2016 with Team HRC (now Monster Energy Honda Team), claimed the overall lead in Stage 6 of this year’s edition.
Sustaining consistent performance in subsequent stages, he ultimately clinched victory with a comfortable lead of 10 minutes and 53 seconds.
Adrien Van Beveren (France, age 33) secured 3rd place, and Jose Ignacio Cornejo (Chile, age 29) finished 6th, contributing to the Monster Energy Honda Team’s three top-ten finishes.
The Dakar Rally, known as “the most dangerous sporting event in the world,” originated in 1979, with Honda’s first participation in 1981. Initial triumph came in 1986 on an NXR750, followed by three consecutive wins up to 1989.
After a hiatus, Honda returned in 2013, competing in South America with the CRF450 RALLY factory bike. The race moved to Saudi Arabia in 2020, where Honda secured victories in 2020 and 2021.
Ricky Brabec expressed his satisfaction with the hard-fought victory, acknowledging the challenging course and tough competition. He emphasized the collective effort of the team and the intense competition with fellow rider Ross [Hero].
Brabec also mentioned the tight race and the significance of the victory being more earned this time due to the increased difficulty.
Koji Watanabe, President of Honda Racing Corporation, congratulated Ricky Brabec on the win and extended appreciation to Adrien Van Beveren, Jose Ignacio Cornejo, and the entire Monster Energy Honda Team for their strong performance.
Watanabe acknowledged past frustrations and highlighted how turning them into strength led to reclaiming the championship, providing inspiration for Honda and HRC’s future endeavors.
He expressed optimism for a successful 2024, aiming for titles in various categories for both motorcycles and automobiles.
Brabec’s career highlights, spanning from 2016 to 2024, reflect his consistent participation and notable achievements in the Dakar Rally, with his latest victory in 2024 adding to his impressive record.