Monster Energy Honda Team Achieves Double Podium at Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge

Race Overview

The Monster Energy Honda team rounded off the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge with an impressive double podium, featuring riders Ricky Brabec and Pablo Quintanilla.

Challenges Faced

It wasn’t easy for the team as both drivers were behind Sam Sunderland, who had a higher starting position. Despite not being able to surpass the British rider, Brabec made up time and secured second place, while Quintanilla finished third. Additionally, Monster Energy Honda’s José Ignacio ‘Nacho’ Cornejo managed to come home in seventh place despite having a crash yesterday.

Results and Standings

This double podium finish allowed the team to extend their lead in the overall team rankings. The results indicate that:

• Pablo Quintanilla is currently in second place.
• Ricky Brabec has moved up to third place.

The outcomes from the final stage of the 200km long rally set the stage for the next challenge for the team in Andalusia.

Statements from the Riders

Pablo Quintanilla

Pablo Quintanilla expressed: “We have finished the rally and I am very happy to be on the podium. Today was a difficult last stage for me. I tried to push as hard as I could and towards the middle of the special I caught the riders in front, so I had to open the track until the end.”

Ricky Brabec

Ricky Brabec remarked: “The final stage was great. The times were very close. We knew that it was going to be tough today to make up enough time in the overall standings. I did what I could to get onto the podium. I got ahead of my team-mate Pablo who also had a good push today. Overall it was a good rally.” He further added, “Unfortunately, Sam was the one who stopped longer in the prologue and had the advantage from day one and today on day five. The rally is coming to those who stop the longest in the prologue. We knew it would be hard to beat Sam – he used to live out here. We did our best for the team and we’re looking forward to the next one. Thanks to all the team.”

José Ignacio Cornejo

José Ignacio Cornejo commented: “I had a great time on the bike, with some very good feelings. I had some setbacks that left me out of the fight but there is nothing left to do but keep working. I think we are doing things right. Despite not being happy with seventh place, I will keep working to get the results that we are looking for. We are already focusing on the forthcoming championship races.”