Happy and motivated to start Dakar 2023
Dakar Rally in Saudi ArabiaFully adapted to the conditions in Saudi Arabia, Monster Energy Honda Team riders Ricky Brabec (USA), Adrien Van Beveren (FR), Pablo Quintanilla (CL) and José Ignacio Cornejo (CL) are looking forward to start the Honda CRF 450 Rally engines for the Dakar Rally 2023.
After the private test and all the technical and administrative checks, the focus is tomorrow’s prologue – with a 13 km track with start and finish at the Sea Camp bivouac.
It will certainly be a special way to say goodbye to 2022. The Dakar Rally 2023 is about to start tomorrow (31st December) with 820 competitors on board from 68 nationalities around the world. Among the bikes category (GP), Monster Energy Honda Team presents itself as a solid squad of four experienced riders. Ambition is a common feeling among them. Some – like American Ricky Brabec – want to recover the taste of winning the most important race of the World Rally Raid Championship (he did it in 2020). Pablo Quintanilla will for sure fight to climb another step in the top standings, after the second place last year. Adrien Van Beveren and José Ignacio Cornejo were both 4th place in past editions and now want to step up to the podium positions.
The prologue will have a length of 13 km allowing participants to race along the seafront. The slim margins at the end of the prologue, back at the gates of the bivouac, will decide the starting order for the first stage. Strategy will come into play from day one, since the top 15 riders will get to pick their position for the first stage!
I am very pleased to see that the team is highly prepared and motivated for the tough days ahead. We have done a great preparation for this Dakar, physically, mentally and also in every detail that concerns the Honda CRF 450 Rally. I would also like to enlighten the great team spirit among all of us – managing personnel, mechanics, physiotherapists, supporting staff and riders. We are united to make all our dreams and goals real, so let's get to business and do it!
I am super motivated to start this Dakar 23. We have done a strong preparation with many races and training sessions and I really feel fully integrated in the team - this will be just my third race with Honda. I am confident but also aware of the long journey that will unfold, so let’s do the best we can in each stage.
My goal is always to be in front and fight for the victory in this Dakar Rally. I know every year is more competitive, but I feel quite in shape and able to it. It is not only a goal but also a dream I want to make true. The feeling is of confidence and trust in my capacities with all the support from my team.
The Dakar is not easy and if we could repeat my victory that would be legendary. After all these years I have learned that the Dakar is a way of life and experience definitely helps. I love the open deserts, that is where I grew up, so being back here in Saudi Arabia is really a great feeling.
My way of seeing things is facing day by day and stage by stage to do the best I can in this Dakar. Last season was not bad but I know I can do better so now there is another chance to show my real talent and position in the riders ranking. For sure I want to climb some stairs in the top standings.
