![Honda Shines at Dakar Rally: Full Recap of Stages 1 - 12 Honda Shines at Dakar Rally: Full Recap of Stages 1 - 12](https://cdn.honda.co.za/main-03/banners/honda-shines-at-dakar-rally-full-recap-of-stages-1-12/Honda_MC_DakarStage11_NewsArticleAssets_Banner_1920x690.jpg)
![Honda Shines at Dakar Rally: Full Recap of Stages 1 - 12](https://cdn.honda.co.za/main-03/banners/honda-shines-at-dakar-rally-full-recap-of-stages-1-12/_480x173_crop_center-center_10_none/Honda_MC_DakarStage11_NewsArticleAssets_Banner_1920x690.jpg)
The 2025 Dakar Rally has concluded with Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) delivering exceptional performances across all 12 gruelling stages. This year’s rally was a true testament to the skill, resilience, and determination of Honda’s riders, navigating the challenging Saudi Arabian terrain with precision and grit. Here’s a comprehensive recap of the highlights from this iconic motorsport event.
Stages 1–4: A Strong Start
Honda riders began the rally with consistent performances, setting the pace for what would become a thrilling competition. Adrien Van Beveren and Ricky Brabec displayed exceptional navigation through rocky terrains and shifting dunes, securing top 10 finishes that kept them within striking distance of the leaders.
Tosha Schareina emerged as a key player early on, consistently improving his positions and demonstrating Honda’s technical superiority with the CRF450 Rally.
Stage 5: Momentum Builds
In Stage 5, Adrien Van Beveren continued to showcase his talent, navigating complex routes with remarkable speed and precision. His consistency positioned him as a strong contender in the overall standings, a critical advantage as the rally approached its midpoint.
Stage 6: Victory for Brabec
Ricky Brabec delivered Honda’s first major triumph of the rally by claiming victory in Stage 6. Finishing just 23 seconds ahead of teammate Adrien Van Beveren, Brabec’s win was a testament to his expertise and the reliability of Honda’s engineering.
Stage 7: Schareina's Standout Performance
Tosha Schareina took the spotlight in Stage 7, battling intense competition to secure a second-place finish. This result propelled him to second overall in the standings, marking a significant milestone for Honda and underscoring the strength of their team strategy.
Stages 8–10: Pushing Through Challenges
The latter stages of the rally brought rugged terrain and extreme weather conditions, but Honda’s riders maintained their focus. Adrien Van Beveren and Ricky Brabec continued to perform consistently, keeping the team in contention for top positions.
Stage 11: A Tactical Approach
As the penultimate stage unfolded, Honda’s strategy shifted towards securing strong final positions. The team prioritized consistency and navigation to minimise risks, setting the stage for a solid finish.
Stage 12: The Grand Finale
The final stage saw Honda riders push their limits one last time. Although KTM’s Daniel Sanders provisionally claimed the overall win, Honda’s riders completed the rally with commendable performances, solidifying their reputation as one of the strongest teams in the competition.
Looking Ahead
While the 2025 Dakar Rally has come to an end, Honda’s commitment to excellence in motorsport continues to shine. With their unparalleled engineering, teamwork, and rider expertise, Honda remains a dominant force in off-road racing. The lessons learned and achievements celebrated during this rally will undoubtedly inspire the team as they prepare for future challenges.