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2016 Dakar Rally Round DAK16 , Stage 13

Honda place three rookies amongst top Dakar finishers

The Rally Dakar 2016 finished today in Rosario with three Honda riders up amidst rally raid’s elite: Kevin Benavides and Ricky Brabec have proved to be two of the sport’s bright lights for the future.

Kevin Benavides of Honda South America Rally Team and Ricky Brabec of Team HRC concluded the adventure in the top ten of the general standings at the close of the Rally Dakar 2016; Adrien Metge was eleventh overall. For all of them, this had been the maiden Dakar outing.

The thirteenth and final stage of the rally consolidated rider’s overall positions in the general rankings, with the 180 kilometre trek to the finish-line in Rosario, not enough to allow any major upsets to the previous day’s standings. Ricky Brabec was particularly attentive over the final stretch on his Dakar debut, but held a steady, fast rhythm throughout to post eighth place on the day. The American rider, who managed to take ninth overall position, had good cause to celebrate, with the Californian – an expert in desert races – churning out consistently fine performances. Brabec, 24, took a well-deserved top ten place, especially given that he had been out of racing for five months after a serious accident in an American rally in 2015.

Italian Paolo Ceci, 40, completed his double objective for the Dakar well: firstly, he made it through the whole 9000 km ordeal until the Rosario finish-line, and secondly, was able to aid his team-mates on numerous crucial occasions. Ceci was fundamental in various stages, having to tow Paulo Gonçalves and Joan Barreda when they ran into different problems. Paolo Ceci has become something of Team HRC’s guardian angel and adds another completed Dakar to his honour’s list which now stands at a 100% finish rate for each of his five participations.

Honda South America Rally Team has been the revelation of the Rally Dakar. After the falls suffered by its most veteran components, the inexperienced newcomers took over and stole the show, finishing amongst the big guns. It was Kevin Benavides, 27, whose star shone the brightest, not only for Team HSA, but also for Argentinean motorcycling, as he became the first Argentine ever to win a Dakar stage. Kevin finished in fourth overall place.

Frenchman, Adrien Metge, 29, also of Honda South America Rally Team, by way of Honda Brasil with whom he began racing in 2015, will also go home happy after a more-than-satisfactory Dakar, taking 12ths spot on the day to finish 11th overall.

Ricky Brabec 48 - STAGE: 8th FINAL: 9th
I’m really excited finishing my first Dakar. I want to come back and do better. I’m excited to be in the team. This is my third rally ever, so that is a huge accomplishment for me. So, finishing in the top ten in my first rally is pretty good and I’m the only rider on the team to get a top ten. So, we’ll see if we can improve and come back next year and do better. Back in June 2015 I had a broken neck and it took a good six month to heal. I was talking to a doctor, eating some special foods and trying to get as much calcium and vitamins as I needed to get back to racing. This is my second race back and the biggest race in the world and I’m happy to have accomplished the goal and get a finish and my medal.

Paolo Ceci 32 - STAGE: 45th FINAL: 32nd
I’m happy to have got to the end. I’m satisfied with the result. I worked hard for the team and I did my job. I’m a bit disappointed that my team-mates were unable to finish, but I’m sure that we will be back next year stronger and we will win the race. It has been a great experience to race with the team, a solid one, that always goes in search of a win.

Kevin Benavides 47 - STAGE: 2nd FINAL: 4th
It has been a really hard, difficult Dakar, but I have been able to learn a lot from the race. I have arrived at Rosario, which is a dream and in addition I was able to win a stage and be the top rookie in the Dakar. In spite of some mistakes, I have learnt a lot and I believe that for the next one I will do even better. I’m going to continue working to improve every day.

Adrien Metge 61 - STAGE: 13th FINAL: 11th
If you had told me a year ago that I would be here in the Dakar and that I would finish eleventh, I would have told you that it was impossible. But here I am, I’ve finished the Dakar and I’m really, really happy about it. I’ve only been competing in rally for a year and this, my first Dakar, leaves me super-satisfied. My aim everyday was to get to the end and that way I was able to make it. The team and the bike no doubt helped a lot in achieving this objective. I have had a great time riding a Honda.

2016 Dakar Rally Round DAK16 , Stage 10

Team HRC overcomes the adversities of the second marathon stage

Team HRC’s Paulo Gonçalves put yesterday’s marathon stage problems firmly behind him in stage ten of the Dakar 2016. The Portuguese rider finished fourth on the day with American team-mate Ricky Brabec also among the top ten. Argentinean Kevin Benavides from Honda South America Rally Team grabs second place in the timed section.

The tenth outing so far in the 2016 Rally Dakar, for the umpteenth time, fell victim to extreme weather. The 278 scheduled kilometres of timed special stage that connect the Belén bivouac with La Rioja were cut short, 30 kilometres shy of the final finish-line. Again a swollen river, too deep to cross, was enough for race authorities to stop the course prematurely.

At the end of yesterday’s drama-filled escapade, Paulo Gonçalves, alongside Team HRC sidekicks Michael Metge, Ricky Brabec and Paolo Ceci, set to work on the Honda CRF450 RALLY, whose radiator had been pierced by a log. Once substituted, they were able to see that the piston, previously believed to be damaged, was in fact sound and some adjustments to the bike’s compression were all that were necessary to get the machine road-worthy.

After the cancellation yesterday of the latter part of stage nine, Goncalves started out today from thirteenth position with an atypical start that saw cars, trucks and bikes head off together in groups. The Portuguese ace fought his way up the field before posting a final fourth position some six minutes off the day’s winner. Gonçalves thus consolidates his overall third place.

Ricky Brabec continues to take to his debut Dakar like a duck to water. After the second place finish in yesterday’s stage, the American today picked up an eighth place, 13’47” behind the stage victor. Brabec also lies in eighth in the general standings. Team-mate Paolo Ceci had a trouble-free day, nevertheless, Michael Metge was unable to take the start this morning.

Honda South America Rally Team continue to churn out excellent performances with a red-hot Kevin Benavides (Argentina) making a scorching Dakar debut, this time finishing runner-up to Svitko (Slovakia). Another newcomer to the world’s toughest rally, Adrien Metge (France) scored an eleventh place finish, his best partial result to date. The youngest of the Metge brothers climbs to twelfth place overall.

TOMORROW’ STAGE
2016 January 14. Stage 11: La Rioja – San Juan
Special sections: 431km
Total: 712km

Time for an attack
The level of difficulty remains the same, but variety will favour the most flexible of drivers and teams. Sand in all its forms will feature, particularly fesh-fesh, the most volatile and heavy kind, which demands both dexterity and patience. But speed will also be an advantage in other, straighter sections, featuring gravel and pebbles. Opportunities will be few and far between, but there is still time to shake up the standings, since the terrain will be favourable to creating significant gaps.

Paulo Goncalves 2 STAGE: 4th PROVISIONAL: 3rd
The day was a positive one. I started behind the trucks and the tracks weren’t good. The sand was very unstable and I had to ride very smoothly. The good thing is that I arrived without problems. I’m still in the fight for the top positions and now we will set the bike up for an attack tomorrow because in the marathon stage I repaired the bike as best I could. After what happened on Tuesday it will be very difficult to fight for the victory because the difference is very big. But it isn’t over yet. After the problems that I’ve had, to be here is very positive. I have to keep up a good pace every day, starting tomorrow.

Ricky Brabec 48 STAGE: 8th PROVISIONAL: 8th
Today, here at the second and final marathon, I knew it was going to be difficult so I sat back and took my time, just played it smart and safe, because I knew that the dunes would get me, so I took it easy. I’m happy to be at the finish-line and I’m ready to go for the next three days. I’m also happy that Paulo got back and running. I know that we can end up on top. So, I’m glad that Paulo is out there and that I’m here and we are all safe and ready to go.

Paolo Ceci 32 STAGE: 24th PROVISIONAL: 32nd
Two very challenging days. Yesterday I was very surprised to find Paulo stopped at CP2 and I towed him back to the bivouac. We worked really hard, the whole team, to be able to fix the bike and ride the stage and he completed it without problems. On the other hand I am a bit angry with the race organization for what happened in CP2 of yesterday’s stage. It was entirely their decision to stop the race there and later penalize all the riders who didn’t finish the special.
As far as my own race went, both yesterday and today were really difficult stages but I managed to finish them without problems. Today was an unforgettable stage because out of the 250 kilometres of special, we did 250 kilometres of dunes and off-road and the bike was always performing well.

Michael Metge 19 STAGE: DNF PROVISIONAL: -
I came out of the bivouac in good spirits because Paulo’s bike was working, but when I tried to start mine I couldn’t. I tried everything in my power to get it going but I couldn’t find the problem or repair it. It is a pity to have to drop out of the race in this way.
Michael Metge

Kevin Benavides 47 STAGE: 2nd PROVISIONAL: 6th
Today was a difficult stage: hard, technical and with a lot of navigation. I was battling with Toby Price and Svitko and luckily I didn’t miss any waypoints and I was able to make it to the finish-line without mistakes, without losing time and with a fast pace.

2016 Dakar Rally Round DAK16 , Stage 9

Team HRC refuses to give up at infernal stage of Fiambala

The second marathon stage of the 2016 Rally Dakar showed just how tough the extreme conditions of the race are. Race organizers today decided to cut short the timed special halfway through.

The ninth stage held in Fiambalá today was a wretched one. A tough day had been expected and a tough day it turned out to be with soaring temperatures forcing officials to cancel finally the stage at CP2. Extreme weather continues to pound the Dakar, with a hellish battle in the Fiambalá dunes at 45º C and more. Indeed the ASO deemed the sweltering conditions unfit for racing and moved the finish forward to Check Point 2. Riders were sent directly to the marathon bivouac where the bikes are not permitted to receive any type of mechanical assistance.

Paulo Gonçalves had a day of drama, running into serious mechanical problems caused by a shrub branch penetrating the radiator, which in turn led to a leakage. Several kilometres later his machine – now without cooling – ground to a halt. Team-mate Paolo Ceci towed him to the bivouac where they will attempt to repair the damage done to the engine.

Neither Paulo Gonçalves, nor Team HRC, wish to throw the towel in this Dakar 2016 and team-mates Michael Metge, Ricky Brabec and Paolo Ceci will do everything in their power to help the Portuguese rider salvage the best possible result from what is left of the race. Today is not possible the Team mechanical assistance because is Marathon stage.

Ricky Brabec rode a notable special, finishing with the day’s fifth best time at CP2, where the race prematurely ended. Is his best partial result in his first participation in the Dakar. Michael Metge, who arrived back at the bivouac yesterday night after enduring some electrical issues, had the bike checked over by the mechanics who were able to resolve the problem, allowing the Frenchman to start again this morning. Both Metge and team-mate Paolo Ceci (Italy) made it through to CP2.

Dakar newcomers Kevin Benavides (Argentina) and Adrien Metge (France), from Honda South America Rally Team, continue to turn in solid performances. Benavides crossed CP2 with the day’s second best time and Metge finished in the top twenty.

Wolfgang Fischer - Team HRC Team Manager
Today we have experienced one of the most incredibly hard days in the Dakar, maybe the hardest in the history of the Dakar until now, with a situation of extreme temperatures that have affected the normal development of the stage. Paulo, fortunately, continues to be in the race in spite of a serious setback before the refuelling. A log pierced the radiator and the coolant leaked out. With the heat that there was, he arrived extremely overheated at refuelling and wouldn’t have been able to carry on if it hadn’t been for the race authorities’ decision to stop the stage at CP2, which means Paulo keeps his possibilities of continuing open. He was helped by his team-mate Paolo Ceci to make it back to the bivouac and there they will attempt to repair the bike so that he can start tomorrow and continue his adventure in this Dakar. Tomorrow there will be a new starting system although the organization hasn’t yet given us the information about what the order will be, but we believe that there will be various cars out ahead of the bikes. It will be especially tough for those who start out from behind.

2016 Dakar Rally Round DAK16 , Stage 8

Change of scenery in the second week of the Dakar Rally

As the 2016 Dakar heads towards the second marathon stage, the race has seen a slight reshuffle in the overall standings, yet with Paulo Gonçalves still firmly in contention after today’s very difficult stage. Team HRC on course to achieve their objectives.

The Dakar Rally course has now veered off towards Belén in the south east without losing sight of the Andes. The course towards the leadership has also taken a turn with respect to the opening week. The stage was split into two parts with a neutralization zone for the passage from Salta to Catamarca. The backdrop has changed as the race moves on to far tougher navigation compared to the previous week’s racing. The eighth stage took in some 766 kilometres, including a 393 km timed section.

Paulo Gonçalves concluded the special stage as runner-up 5’17” adrift of stage winner Toby Price. Team HRC’s Portuguese title contender was unable to avoid a high speed crash in a very pot-holed stretch that left the instrument panel of the Honda CRF450 RALLY damaged. Gonçalves after the accident, on a damage-limitation exercise, battled on at a slightly slower speed and managed not to concede much time to his main rival.

USA entry Ricky Brabec got his first real taste of demanding Dakar-style navigation and sailed positively through it. In the first special, he stopped to aid team-mate Michael Metge, victim of an probably electrical fault, until the Frenchman indicated that he was once more good to go. On his maiden Dakar adventure, the young American made it through to the Belén finish-line amid the first fifteen finishers. This order could change depending on the race authority ruling after the rider had stopped to assist another fallen competitor. Paolo Ceci, starting from the dusty end of the field, held a steady pace throughout the day to finish twenty-fifth. The Italian was feeling comfortable with the navigational aspect of the race. Metge is still trying to end the stage.

Kevin Benavides, set off at a gallop from second place this morning in his home town and even managed to lead the race for a while. However, the navigation almost proved his undoing, slowing him down to a final fifth place on the day. Likewise, the Argentinean rider lies in fifth place in the overall standings. His Honda South America Rally Team buddy Adrien Metge also continues improving in his Dakar apprenticeship. Today he posted 16th, his best finish to date.

TOMORROW’ STAGE
2016 January 12. Stage 9: Belén – Belén
Special sections: 285km
Total: 436km

Keeping a cool head
This loop stage will not really be one for motorbikes and quad bikes, which will finish the first part of this second marathon stage in an isolated bivouac. Prior to this they will have spent the day, alongside the drivers in the other categories, almost entirely off-piste, both in the vegetation-scattered dunes and on harder terrains, sometimes on river beds. Physically, the day might prove to be a significant challenge, as the mercury soars. The hardiest drivers will also be those who are the most clear headed, able to make the right navigational choices, a major challenge of this special section.

Paulo Goncalves 2 STAGE: 2nd PROVISIONAL: 2nd
Today’s stage was typical of the type that we expect at the Dakar, with a lot of navigation. I fell in a bumpy, sandy area and luckily I didn’t get hurt but I damaged the instrument panel. I had to grip onto it with one hand and ride with the other for quite some kilometres. I’m happy to have not lost too much time. Tomorrow I will try and win it back.

Ricky Brabec 48 STAGE: 14th PROVISIONAL: 13th
It was a tough day with the heat and with what we had waiting for us on the track. The first part was really fast and the second part was much more technical with a lot of navigation. I stopped to see if I could help out Michael, but when he saw that I wasn’t able to do a lot, he told me to carry on. The second part was really difficult with 90% of the navigation in soft sand. In the end I stopped to help a rider who had fallen. I’m happy to have finished well and tomorrow will be another day.

Paolo Ceci 32 STAGE: 25th PROVISIONAL: 50th
In the first part I had a really hard time, always in the dust tail of the riders that I had up ahead. It was really hard to get by them as there was always so much dirt and it was dangerous too. The second part went better; it was more technical with more navigation and I’m happy because it was a good day.

Kevin Benavides 47 STAGE: 5th PROVISIONAL: 5th
I was riding practically the whole way with Méo at a good pace. I liked the stage quite a bit because it gave me my first dose of navigation in the sandy area. It was hard, more technical, with a fast-paced rhythm, which I did without any problems. I’m pleased about it.

Wolfgang Fischer Team HRC Team Manager
This first stage of week two at the Dakar has been a good one for Paulo who keeps all his options open after working hard today in spite of all the difficulties. A nice race for Ricky in the desert with a lot of navigation and a nice detail where he stopped to help another rider. The Dakarian spirit should always be present. It is a pity about what has happened to Metge; we are trying to keep him in the race.

2016 Dakar Rally Round DAK16 , Stage 5

The Dakar enters Bolivia with Paulo Gonçalves leading the race

All five Team HRC bikes made it through the marathon stage which started out in the Argentine city San Salvador de Jujuy and finished in Uyuni, Bolivia. Paulo Gonçalves remains at the head of the overall standings with Barreda fourth.

The good news is that for the first time since the Dakar 2016 began, riders were able to set off without waterproofs, the bad news was that another type of difficulty had replaced the bad weather: altitude. Today’s stage was battled out at average heights of over 3,500 metres above sea-level, enough to put the physiques of even the toughest riders to the test. To make matters worse, the recent days of easy navigating have come to an end and competitors can expect complications ahead. As is now habitual, the arrival of the entourage in Uyuni was nothing less than an all-out fiesta.

At the end of yesterday’s stage Joan Barreda had the rug pulled from under him with another sanction, this time a five minute penalty for breaking the speed limit in a radar control. Race officials ruled that the new stage four winner was Team HRC sidekick Paulo Gonçalves and awarded Honda man Kevin Benavides the runner-up spot. Today, the same pair suffered the handicap of having to open the field for 327 kilometres while the pursuing adversaries were able to follow the correct tracks already mapped out by the front-runners.

Joan Barreda, who set off from Jujuy in fourth starting position, was the best of the Team HRC bunch, conceding a total of 5’57 to the stage winner Toby Price. Portuguese rider Gonçalves, who was suffering from altitude sickness, likewise conceded 8’56 to finish in 12th.

Ricky Brabec and Michael Metge posted virtually identical times, finishing with a 14 minute deficit from the stage victor. Paolo Ceci came in thirty seconds after Metge.

Argentinean Kevin Benavides forges on as top rider of Honda South America Rally Team. Brazilian team-mate Jean Azevedo was forced to drop out of the race after stopping to help HSA Rally Team colleague Javier Pizzolito who had radiator issues. Azevedo had previously suffered a heavy fall in the first stage. Pizzolito finished the day in 40th place, while Frenchman Adrien Metge, took 39th.

TOMORROW’ STAGE
2016 January 8. Stage 6: Uyuni – Uyuni
Special sections: 542km
Total: 723km

High tension loop
The longest special section of the Dakar takes place on the 6th day of consecutive racing. And that is not the only difficulty of this operation, which will take place between 3,500 and 4,200m in altitude. The pace and surfaces change constantly, alternating between sand and rock, which may be disconcerting, especially if it rains. Glimpses of the Salar d’Uyuni are but one of the visual delights on the agenda. Meanwhile, the truck category, which will race separately on this 6th stage, will visit the home town of the President Evo Morales.

Joan Barreda 6 STAGE: 5TH PROVISIONAL: 4TH
I think that in the end I had a good stage today. We were faced with a really tough physical stage, very hard for all. I think that it went well even though there was a problem with the navigation in the final stretch that didn’t match the roadbook. I hope they clear up these points. It didn’t go badly because we are still in the running to win the race.

Paulo Goncalves 2 STAGE: 12TH OVERALL: 1ST
It was a really difficult marathon. The altitude gave me a headache, but even so, I’m fairly happy with the way that it went, because the bike held up really well and I clocked up a good time. There is a great stage awaiting us tomorrow. Let’s see what happens, but right now I need some rest. Today, the first and last 100 km were demanding for the navigation, but I managed to make it through.

Michael Metge 19 STAGE: 25TH PROVISIONAL: 15TH
It was a very long special with mountain tracks, rivers…. Today I couldn’t find my rhythm. It didn’t go like it went yesterday. I took the maximum precautions throughout the special and even so that I came off the track on the way down, which turned out to be nothing. Overall, I’m pleased though.

Ricky Brabec 48 STAGE: 24TH PROVISIONAL: 19TH
Today was the second of the two marathon days. Today was good and started out fast; the navigation got a bit tricky. I was very confident halfway through the stage and I was picking up the speed a bit. Eventually the rear tank was empty and the front tanks were still full so the weight distribution was hard to ride with and I came into a curve a little bit too hot. I just laid the bike over and slid out. When that happened I smashed the exhaust pipe so that robbed me of a lot of power. So with the crash and the fast roads and me only going at 135 km, I lost a bit of time but I’m still here safely and the bike is still running and there is a long way to go.

Paolo Ceci 32 STAGE: 29TH PROVISIONAL: 25TH
A good stage today. There was a lot more navigating to do than in previous stages. It was long and hard. Tomorrow we will have the longest stage of the whole Dakar so we’ll have to rest as much as we can: 542 kilometres of special stage where we will have to be really careful as it will be at an altitude of almost 4000 metres.

Kevin Benavides 47 STAGE: 16TH PROVISIONAL 6TH
It was a very tough stage, at altitude and very dangerous with a lot of cliff edges in the mountains. In the end we had a lot of navigation problems with a cable that wasn’t shown and some things that didn’t seem to coincide with the roadbook. I hope that the ASO makes a note of this, because we were lost for quite some time. Above all I made it here and that is what really counts.

Jean Azevedo 26 STAGE: DNF PROVISIONAL: retired
Everyone in the Dakar is looking for the victory and good personal results, but we are a team and I am here to work and help Honda to win the Dakar. It doesn’t matter who can win, but rather that the brand finishes as high as possible on the podium. For that reason I chose to sacrifice my race which had been at risk since the accident in the first stage. So I gave my radiator to Pizzolito, who needed it.

Wolfgang Fischer Team HRC Team Manager
So overall we are happy to have finished a good marathon stage over the last few days and everyone arrived here in Bolivia with the bike ok and without any major difficulties. Today was as we expected with our guys losing time after opening the track. It was a bit tricky to find the right way. But in the end everything was ok. We are ready for tomorrow which is the longest stage of the whole Dakar, around the Uyuni Lake. Hopefully this time not in the water….

2016 Dakar Rally Round DAK16 , Stage 4

Honda dominate the Dakar once more with a one-two at stage four

Joan Barreda and Paulo Gonçalves commanded the fourth special of the Dakar Rally – the first part of the gruelling marathon stage – and are now well-placed at the head of the general standings. Metge, Brabec and Ceci finish well too.

Another day of superb results for Team HRC at the Dakar Rally 2016, clinching first and second places in a demanding fourth stage. As the race ended it was time to immediately hand over the bikes, which will spend the night isolated in the parc ferme away from the mechanics, technical crew and even the riders, who are prohibited from repairing or servicing them. When the bikers pick them up tomorrow they will find them in exactly the same condition in which they were left.

Joan Barreda was yesterday lumbered with a one-minute penalty for speeding in a radar control, which meant the Spanish whizz was stripped of his first place in both the stage result and the overall rankings. Barreda started today from fifth place which allowed him to chase down the adversaries up ahead.

Barreda and Paulo Gonçalves once again imposed their infernal pace throughout the more than 400 kilometres of special stage today which took place at an average of 3,500 metres altitude in the Jujuy region. The Castellon rider was soon at the head of the course, crossing the line with a 1’49 surplus over his team-mate. Both now lie top of the overall race table.

Frenchman Michael Metge and American Ricky Brabec, turned in very swift performances to collect seventh and ninth spots respectively, just over seven minutes behind colleague Barreda. Italian Paolo Ceci finish sixteenth and climbs various slots on the leaderboard.

Once again, the top rider from Honda South America Rally Team was local-boy Kevin Benavides. The youngster opened the track today after becoming yesterday’s winner due to Barreda’s sanction. This marks a new milestone for Argentinean motorcycle racing. Benavides set a hasty pace and posted the day’s fourth fastest time. His HSA Rally Team companions were among the top 35 finishers with fellow Argentinean Javier Pizzolito 28th, Frenchman Adrien Metge 32nd and Brazilian Jean Azevedo 35th.

At the close of the day, the ASO has once more verified that Joan Barreda broke the speed limit at several radar checks and have once again penalized the Team HRC rider, this time with a five minute sanction which means the Spaniard again misses out on the stage victory and drops to third in the general standings. Team HRC’s Paulo Goncalves has been named winner of this, the fourth stage and is now the overall leader.

Paulo Goncalves 2 STAGE: 1st OVERALL: 1st
The stage went pretty well. It was a long special at more than 400 kilometres with a very high average speed. There wasn’t a lot of navigation but I was in doubt at one point and I lost a few seconds. We arrived without any problems and everything will be ready to set off tomorrow for the second part of the marathon stage. The teamwork has been excellent: to arrive here with everything in order, in a stage like this one, is perfect.

Joan Barreda 6 STAGE: 4th OVERALL: 3rd
We kept up a really fast pace in this stage. Kevin Benavides opened the track and was very speedy, as was Paulo. I tried to catch him up and got past Svitko. In the last kilometres I was riding behind the KTM riders and I had to slow things down due to the dust. We had a great day and took care of the bikes, plus there were no falls or problems that could compromise tomorrow’s start. Now it’s time to rest and prepare the second part of the marathon stage.

Michael Metge 19 STAGE: 7th PROVISIONAL: 13th
It hasn’t been a bad stage. I was riding really well until I came up against a rider who I couldn’t get past. He was spraying dirt all over me and he put me off my stroke. I was finally able to overtake him but I ended up losing a lot of time.

Ricky Brabec 48 STAGE: 9th PROVISIONAL: 17th
The truth is that I felt pretty good in the stage today. It was a very fast one with a lot of high-altitude track but it went very well. I’m getting more and more used to the race which is important as there is still a long way to go. The team is doing a really great job and the bikes are running really well too.

Paolo Ceci 32 STAGE: 16th PROVISIONAL: 22nd
This morning it was a bit cold when we got to the start of the special but we entered into the warmth. It was a really fast stage where it wasn’t too difficult to navigate. I didn’t have any problems with the altitude. Everything is going perfectly well so far. I’m very happy.

Kevin Benavides 47 STAGE: 3rd PROVISIONAL: 2nd
It is the first time that I have opened the track in the Dakar and I was a little nervous as I didn’t want to make any mistakes. I was very careful with the roadbook and I think that I didn’t do badly: I found all the right routes and was able to maintain a good pace. Paulo caught me up and we arrived at the finish-line together. We have to save our strength and protect the bikes because we are without assistance.

Wolfgang Fischer Team HRC Team Manager
I am happy that all went well in this fourth stage of the Dakar rally, the first part of this complicated marathon stage. All our riders arrived well at the marathon bivouac and the bikes are not damaged. That is very important for tomorrow’s stage without team support. It is great to be placed well at the front of the overall standings.

2016 Dakar Rally Round DAK16 , Stage 3

Honda CRF450 RALLY podium lockout in Jujuy

Spectacular third day at the Rally Dakar 2016: the stage through the mountainous Jujuy area ended with a Honda-filled podium and a once-again triumphant Joan Barreda back at the top of the general standings.

The third stage of the Rally Dakar proved to be a dream day-out for the three Honda CRF450 RALLYs who occupied the entire Jujuy rostrum. Barreda scorched to the head of the course as team-mate Gonçalves closes in on the leaders.

Climate conditions continue to ravage race organizer’s plans in these first days of the Dakar. The heavy storms and downpours have failed to leave the zone of Tucumán with the first stage cancelled outright, the second reduced and today’s third stage also shortened to a total of 200 kilometres. Riders started out today from Check Point 1 (km 112,91) as race organizers opted in favour of a harmonious and uncomplicated day’s racing.

Joan Barreda gave a master class in how to deal with a complex stage and ascends once more to the top of the Dakar 2016 leaderboard. The Spaniard was lightning quick behind the bars and sharp as a blade as a navigator as he notched up the fastest time over the 200 kilometres of special stage. Barreda’s total Dakar victory tally now stands at 14.

Comrade-in-arms Paulo Gonçalves, who started ahead, also had a stormer of a day posting a third place finish just a minute off Barreda and behind Argentinean debutant Benavides. The Portuguese rider leaps to fourth overall place.
All the five Honda CRF450 RALLY bikes of Team HRC made it back to the bivouac problem-free. Barreda and Goncalves’ team-mates Michael Metge (France), Ricky Brabec (USA) and Paolo Ceci (Italy) finished the stage without conceding much time and all came in among the first thirty finishers.

Honda South America Rally Team continued to build on yesterday’s success with Argentinean Kevin Benavides proving to be a revelation with a second place finish tucked in behind the stage winner. Benavides lies in third in the general rankings. Adrien Metge finished 24th with Pizzolito losing a bit of time, but the rider will be looking to attack tomorrow. Brazilian Jean Azevedo, who fell heavily yesterday, was able to come back with a 45th place recuperating various positions.

Tomorrow, Jujuy will have a very decisive stage in store. The San Salvador de Jujuy loop will not be bringing the competitors back to the bivouac where the technical crew are housed. Instead, there will be the first part of the strict marathon stage where riders are forced to quarantine the bikes after the special stage. Only the riders themselves will be allowed to carry out any mechanical revisions or repairs. The following morning they will be handed back the machines in the same state that they were delivered to the parc ferme. Extra caution with the mechanics will be required.

Joan Barreda 6 STAGE: 1st PROVISIONAL: 1st
Today was a great day after yesterday, when I had to open the track, but today we started from behind which gave us a good position to attack from. We were very focused throughout the stage, which had very little navigation but plenty of radars that you had to be careful of. I kept a great pace throughout the 200 km and I’ve got the leadership back.

Paulo Goncalves 2 STAGE: 3rd PROVISIONAL: 4th
I think that I had a good stage, especially for such a slippery mountain track. I tried to maintain a good rhythm even with a safety margin and I was able to make it onto the podium. What is up ahead will be more difficult and that’s why I can’t make any mistakes, although with the weather as changeable as it is, we don’t know what to expect. The main thing is to be careful and not make any mistakes.

Michael Metge 19 STAGE: 15th PROVISIONAL: 19th
Today was a mountain stage, like yesterday, with a lot of tight curves. I haven’t adjusted to this type of terrain yet and I didn’t feel comfortable enough. I had the impression of keeping a good pace, but I wasn’t fast enough on the curves. Anyway, I had a good time and tomorrow will be better.

Ricky Brabec 48 STAGE: 17th PROVISIONAL: 22nd
Today was just like yesterday. It was really fast and hard to make up a lot of time, but easy to lose a lot of time again. Today was awesome; the roads were good, the spectators were good and the navigation wasn’t that tricky. I rode well and I’m happy with my finish. We’re all here and ready to go again tomorrow.

Paolo Ceci 32 STAGE: 27th PROVISIONAL: 28th
It was really nice stage without complications and zero navigating. A bit mountainous and slippery surfaces. The most stressful thing was to find so many speed checks! There were between 20 and 30 of them. Right now everything is going just fine and I want to congratulate my team-mates Paulo and Joan and also Kevin, who had a great stage. The race has only just begun.

Kevin Benavides 47 STAGE: 2nd PROVISIONAL: 3rd
Today was a nice stage for me. I really enjoyed it and it was a great one to ride: mountain tracks, hard ground and very few rocks. It really surprised me to finish in second place. I’m living for the day in the stages and tomorrow’s strategy will be to look after the bike as we have now arrived at the marathon stage. I have to keep a firm foot on the ground and stay focused on the job.

Wolfgang Fischer Team HRC Team Manager
Today was a great result for the team overall, especially with the stage victory of Joan taking the overall lead again after the victory in the prologue. Paulo was able to finish in an excellent third overall position. Also, our other riders had great results with good times, so we are really happy to be in this position as we go into the next challenging part: the marathon stage tomorrow and the following day, which we will prepare now tonight intensively.

2016 Dakar Rally Round DAK16 , Stage 2

Team HRC riders make a swift start in the Dakar 2016

The Dakar 2016 finally held its first real stage after yesterday’s cancellation. Paulo Goncalves pulled back positions finishing in sixth place and Joan Barreda, who opened the track, came home behind his Team HRC colleague.

The huge storm that blasted the riders during the first special stage yesterday – forcing the event to be cancelled – continued its course today and wreaked havoc with the programmed route, flooding large stretches of the track. Race organizers subsequently patched together a new, revised special stage from Villa Carlos Paz to Termas de Río Hondo, with the planned 450 kilometres being reduced to a total of 354, against the clock, with the finish at CP4.

In spite of this, riders were still faced with a muddy quagmire, which compromised both stability and visibility, especially for the faster riders such as Paulo Goncalves who were forced to start from rear positions due to the starting order decided at the prologue stage two days earlier.

It was indeed the Portuguese rider Gonçalves who proved to be the fastest of the Team HRC squad today in what was the first real day of racing after yesterday’s cancellation. Paulo kept up a cracking rhythm, clawing back time and places during the special stage to chalk up the sixth fastest time of the day just 2’38 behind the stage winner Toby Price.

Joan Barreda opened the track for a great part of the special stage until he found himself on a mud-filled track where he lost some time getting momentarily stuck. The riders behind followed his tracks and his rival Ruben Faria caught up with the Spaniard who navigated alongside for some four kilometres.

Frenchman Michael Metge was up among the front-runners the whole day and was overtaken by some adversaries who started from behind and took advantage of the path marked out by the proceeding pack. Metge, 17th, conceded little to the front-runners.

Ricky Brabec made his first real Dakar Rally stage debut with a well-balanced performance in some fairly unfavourable conditions. Likewise, Paolo Ceci overcame a tricky stage to finish in the first twenty-five.

Honda South America Rally Team, once again being supported by Team HRC, continue to remain very active in the race with their riders well-situated. Kevin Benavides was once again the fastest of the HSA Rally Team, finishing in eighth behind Barreda. Javier Pizzolito and Adrien Metge were among the first thirty on the day and only have cause to complain about a fall by Brazilian Jean Azevedo at kilometre 30. Fortunately he was able to get back on the bike and back into the race, if at a somewhat slower pace than before.

TOMORROW’ STAGE
2016 January 5. Stage 3: Termas de Río Hondo – San Salvador de Jujuy
Special sections: 314 km
Total: 663 km

Hunters, take aim
The format is tighter for the day’s race against the clock… as are the mountain tracks featuring in the special section. Experts in sliding and on the road will be able to showcase their skills here, as long as they stay constantly focused. Those hunting down the leaders will be on high alert during this route, which has been designed for opportunists. But the programme could also be transformed by any rain: even the strongest competitors do not necessarily perform well on heavy ground.

Joan Barreda 6 - STAGE: 7th OVERALL: 6th
It was a complicated day; we set off opening the track after yesterday’s cancellation and over the first kilometres all was going fine, but after I found myself in a mud-filled track where I got stuck several times. I had to push really hard and I lost a bit of time but later I was able to pick up the pace. In the end I conceded a bit of time in this long stage.

Paulo Goncalves 2 - STAGE: 6th OVERALL: 7th
This was a serious 350 kilometre stage. I came out really strong and there was a bit of dust in the beginning, but after I got caught up in the mud. Luckily there was Ricky Brabec who helped me out of it. I didn’t lose too much time and the final position is a good one. The important thing is to be up there near the head of the field, not lose the fight and battle on to the end.

Michael Metge 19 - STAGE: 17th OVERALL: 16th
Today was a really nice special, the first real one of the Dakar, quite long with a good grip. There were some really muddy parts but I was able to get past quite well. After that I was able to continue without real problems and I enjoyed myself a lot.

Ricky Brabec 48 - STAGE: 21st OVERALL: 21st
Today was the first real day, you could say, as we raced through the dirt. It was a good, really fast day. I got hung up for maybe four or five minutes and then Paulo got by me and he got stuck in the mud also. I helped Paulo get out of the mud. Other than that there were no issues. It was a really hot day.

Paolo Ceci 32 - STAGE: 22nd OVERALL: 22nd
I’m very pleased. It has been a great stage without navigational difficulties. I kept up a good pace and am satisfied. We have to keep on like this.

Kevin Benavides 47 -  STAGE: 8th OVERALL: 8th
It was a really nice stage. I felt great with the bike and the navigation. I tried to hold my nerve and found a good pace in the race. I’m happy with the way the first stage of my first Dakar went.

Wolfgang Fischer - Team HRC Team Manager
So, finally today the Dakar Rally really got started after the cancellation of stage one because of the bad weather situation. We are quite happy to see it come to an end because there was a lot to lose and not a lot to win. Fortunately, everybody got through really well even if it was especially difficult for Joan, being the first rider out there and having to find a the best way through the mud. He lost some time being the first one. There was some nice teamwork between Paulo and his team-mate Ricky Brebec and we are lucky to have everyone together in the bivouac and we will be preparing to attack tomorrow.