After a successful run at the 2020 Dakar Rally which ended KTM’s 18-year dynasty, Monster Energy Honda has done it again. This time Honda takes thr first two spots at the podium to win the 2021 Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia.
“I gave everything to achieve this win which is a dream come true for me,” said Kevin Benavides, after being crowned the overall champion for the motorcycle category.
It was not a very easy task to win the Dakar Rally. Benavides started the Dakar at 13th overall, but consistency had put him to the top when he got his first stage win during Stage 5 of the rally.
As a team, Monster Energy Honda has won 10 stages and led 9 out of the 13 days of racing in the harsh Arabian desert. Benavides also made history to become the first South American rider ever to hold aloft the winner’s heavy bronze Touareg.
“I want to thank the whole team, starting with my mechanics, for the great job they have all done this difficult year. Thanks also to Honda for giving us such a great bike which made it possible to achieve the dream,” added Benavides.
Honda’s success was rounded out with a runner-up spot going to American Ricky Brabec. Last year’s Dakar champion finished with a final tally of four stage wins.
The last time Honda managed a one-two in the Dakar Rally was back in 1987 at the hands of Cyril Neveu and Edi Orioli.
