Monster Energy Honda Targets Glory at Rally-Raid Portugal 2025

Monster Energy Honda HRC heads into Rally-Raid Portugal 2025 with Ricky Brabec, Adrien Van Beveren, Tosha Schareina, and Skyler Howes chasing crucial World Rally-Raid Championship points across 2,367 km of fast, dusty terrain.

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The World Rally-Raid Championship is heading into its decisive stretch. All eyes are on Rally-Raid Portugal as the Monster Energy Honda HRC team prepares for a pivotal showdown. Running from 23–28 September 2025, the penultimate round of the season promises fast, dusty trails and fierce competition across Portugal and Spain.

A Demanding Six-Day Challenge

This year’s edition raises the stakes with 2,367 kilometres of racing, including a 40% increase in timed special stages compared to the 2024 debut. The rally begins in Grândola, south of Lisbon, before crossing the border into Spain for three stages filled with rapid-fire tracks and technical navigation. Riders will then return to Portugal for the final push, culminating with a dramatic finish in the heart of Lisbon.

With a dry weather forecast, riders will trade last year’s mud and rain for heat and dust, making visibility and precision critical. “The gaps will be really close every day, and the dust will be a real challenge,” said team manager Ruben Faria, noting the strategic importance of Tuesday’s 5 km prologue. The short opening sprint will determine starting positions for Stage 1, setting the tone for the entire rally.

Brabec Eyes the Title

Leading Honda’s charge is Ricky Brabec, who currently sits third in the championship standings. The two-time Dakar Rally winner arrives in Portugal on the back of podium results in Abu Dhabi and South Africa. A strong finish is essential to keep his title hopes alive before the season finale in Morocco.

“I feel like slower is faster here,” Brabec explained after a positive shakedown. “This terrain demands focus and smart navigation. We’ll do our best to finish in a strong position.”

Van Beveren Back from Surgery

Teammate Adrien Van Beveren, fourth in the standings, is eager to bounce back after wrist surgery forced him off the bike for eight weeks. Despite the setback, the 2025 Dakar podium finisher is confident. “My wrist is now much better with no pain. I love this kind of terrain in Portugal, and it’s great to be back racing close to home,” he said.

Schareina’s Homecoming

Last year’s Portugal Rally winner Tosha Schareina returns hungry for victory after a rollercoaster season. A hand injury forced him out of the South African round, but a recent win at the Sertões Rally signals a return to full fitness. With the route passing near his native Spain, Schareina will enjoy strong local support as he chases another win.

Howes Seeks the Podium

American rider Skyler Howes, who scored a best result of fourth in Portugal last year, is targeting the podium this time. “The fans here are incredible, and the heat and dust will make things interesting,” Howes said. “It’s one of my favourite rallies for the atmosphere alone.”

Honda Ready for the Fight

After arriving in Portugal early for final preparations, the team put their CRF450 RALLY machines through a thorough shakedown and passed scrutineering at the Grândola bivouac. With championship points on the line and enthusiastic crowds expected along the route, Rally-Raid Portugal promises to be a decisive battle before the series heads to Morocco for the grand finale.