Mixed fortunes for Honda HRC on Rally-Raid Portugal opening stage
The opening stage of Rally-Raid Portugal delivered drama, excitement, and challenges for the Honda HRC squad, with both Martim Ventura and Preston Campbell demonstrating their speed and determination on what proved to be a demanding day of competition.
Local hero Martim Ventura, starting 21st, quickly made his mark by topping the times at the second checkpoint and by 75 km he had built a one-minute advantage, extending it to nearly two minutes by the end of the opening section. The Portuguese rider was in blistering form on his Honda CRF450 RX RALLY, even challenging the Rally GP field.
After a liaison section, riders faced a further 90 km against the clock before closing with the 5 km prologue back at Grândola, this time ridden in reverse. Unfortunately, Martim’s charge was halted by a clutch issue that cost him almost 40 minutes. He now sits 19th overall but remains determined to fight back on stage two, with the goal of reducing the deficit and keeping alive his bid for a first World Rally-Raid Championship stage win.
Teammate Preston Campbell delivered a solid ride as he adapted to the new gravel terrain. Despite a minor crash late in the stage, he secured an impressive fifth place, ten and a half minutes behind stage winner Edgar Canet. The American remains well positioned and will aim to continue building momentum on stage two which will be a decisive test: 656 demanding kilometres north from Grândola to the historic Spanish city of Badajoz. Both riders are ready to push hard in pursuit of redemption and results.
Preston Campbell 85
The day started out nice, it was completely new terrain for me so I was trying to adjust. It was difficult to ride on the slick track but I enjoyed it a lot and was feeling comfortable by midday. I wasn’t pushing too hard, just trying to learn and go through the week. At the end I made a pretty big mistake in the sand and had a crash, but I’m happy to get to the finish healthy and keep on going this week and having fun.
Martim Ventura 84
It was kind of a strange day, I had a problem because I’m not very used to this bike yet, at times I used the clutch a bit too much. I’m sad because I was riding well and I had gotten up to 2nd in the general results. I was loving the bike, cornering was so good and it’s kind of a bad day, but at the same time I’m very happy because the pace was there so I have to be happy for that. Tomorrow is going to be a dusty day so I have to be prepared for that, but the races are like this and better days are coming.
