Since the Dakar stepped on Arabia, he has only known one dominator on two wheels: Honda. The brand with the golden wing could not adapt better to the Arab desert, it won the 2020 edition with Brabec and the 2021 edition with Kevin Benavides (now on KTM) and the North American champion in an unappealable double. Therefore, They are the strongest team both by motorcycle and by riders until someone is able to prove otherwise and this is how they present themselves to the Dakar 2022, as the main contenders for victory.
Among them, we have a Spaniard who is already a regular at the Japanese firm, Joan Barreda, who points out that this year they have “worked a lot, especially in the second week of the Dakar”, the one that failed him the previous one. “It’s a long race and I think we worked well. We are trying to be in good physical and mental condition and we try to take care of all the little details. With all this together, with a really good bike and a great team, we are sure that we can do a good job “, analyzes the Castellón team.
With Brabec, Cornejo and Quintanilla, the luxury replacement to replace the current champion, Barreda has an accompaniment of total guarantees, as the Californian also highlights: “We have four really good, strong and confident drivers.” “I have been able to do some tests and races, last year we only did one, so it sure was better,” says Cornejo about his preparation.. “It is an honor to be part of this team, it is something that I have been looking for all these years”, Quintanilla assures for his part.
All that talent will be led by a Spanish team manager, Rubén Faria. “We have the role of favorites, that of the team to beat, and that is why we have prepared ourselves hard and well to face the race and try the hat-trick. We will do our best to win. The bike is exceptional and we have worked on durability and performance. The team practically remains the same as last year, with a good atmosphere, which is one of the main factors for the success of the group, “he sums up. KTM, Yamaha and company already know who they should target.