With 2026 World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) beginning next month at the Dakar Rally, Monster Energy Honda HRC expands with new, two-rider Rally2 team with Preston Campbell and Martim Ventura.

Strengthening their position as the biggest factory team in the World Rally-Raid Championship and at this year’s Dakar, Honda HRC grows from four to six official riders with American Preston Campbell and Portuguese Martim Ventura racing in the Rally2 category.

Competing under the same name, identity, and competitive vision as the RallyGP squad (announced yesterday), Honda say the initiative “reinforces Honda’s long-term commitment to developing emerging talent and strengthening its global rally-raid programme”. We say it reinforces the fact Honda has more clout behind the Rally project than any other team, a position KTM used to occupy for so many years.

With victories at events such as the Mint 400 and the Sonora Rally, not to mention his West Coast off-road racing pedigree, Preston Campbell continues to build his experience in rally-raid. He is helped enormously by family and close connections within the GP team including the two-time Dakar winner, Ricky Brabec.

Martim Ventura meanwhile is a standout competitor across Portugal and Spain and counts wins of events such as the Baja Portalegre and, again, a strong connection within the factory HRC team and Ruben Faria. the Portuguese rider will enter his first Dakar this January.

A Project Built for Growth

For the 2026 season, the new team will take on the W2RC calendar with a mission to compete in the Rally2 category but also continue developing the Honda CRF450RX Rally, and strengthen the foundation of Honda HRC’s long-term sporting strategy.

Ruben Faria — General Manager: “[We now have] Two very young riders on the team who are beginning to make great strides in the world of rallying.

“The main goal for this Dakar is for them to try to finish in the top five in their category and in the top 15 overall.

“They are learning very quickly and have what it takes to achieve this. It will be a tough Dakar as it is their first, but the whole team is behind them and will help them with whatever they need.”

Martim Ventura: “I am super Happy and grateful to ride my first Dakar with Honda. I have been training my whole life with this race in my mind and it´s amazing to have to the tools to ride fast and safe in the most difficult off-road race in the world. Portugal and Morocco were amazing test and development with the team, I gained a lot experience with myself and the bike. Although it´s my first Dakar I feel I have a lot of knowledge already to make a good race. See you soon in Saudi Arabia!”

Preston Campbell: “Looking forward to the 2026 Dakar with the Monster Energy Honda HRC team! The team and I have been working hard on all fronts—testing, preparation, and fine-tuning every detail—so I’m genuinely excited for the big adventure ahead. I’m excited for the big adventure ahead!”

Photo Credit: Honda Racing