6th Jan 2026: – Stage two of the Dakar Rally delivered a major step up in intensity, with Monster Energy Honda HRC riders pushing hard to stay within striking distance of the overall lead on a demanding route from Yanbu to AlUla. Ricky Brabec made the most of starting third, setting the early pace and ultimately posting the fastest raw stage time, though time bonuses saw him classified third on the day. He remains third overall, just over two minutes from the lead.
Skyler Howes bounced back strongly from his stage one crash to claim fourth, moving up to seventh overall, while Tosha Schareina delivered another calm and consistent ride to finish fifth and stay firmly in provisional podium contention. Adrien Van Beveren endured another difficult day after a crash, salvaging eighth but losing significant time overall.
In Rally2, Martim Ventura stole the spotlight with a spectacular first-ever Dakar stage win for Monster Energy Honda HRC Rally2, emerging victorious from a fierce battle and moving to within 19 seconds of the overall lead. Preston Campbell also impressed with a third-place finish, climbing to fourth overall. With riders now settled at the AlUla bivouac, attention turns to a massive and navigation-heavy stage three that promises to further shake up the standings.
For more information on all the race details, please visit: https://rally.hondaracingcorporation.com/report/dakar-pressure-mounts-as-brabec-and-schareina-chase-the-leaders/
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