And, identical to that, now we have a winner for the 2023 Abu Dhabi Desert Problem!
The fortunate champ biting down on gold is none apart from Honda’s Adrien Van Beveren – a Frenchman celebrating victory quantity two after his successes in final yr’s Andalucia Rally.
Because of this, as of now, Van Beveren sits with 42 factors and a robust second place for the World Rally Raid Championship title. One other 5 of these fairly factors, and he’ll be first for the subsequent biggie: The Dakar Rally.
“It feels actually good to win, for me as a rider and likewise for the staff that invested in me,” feedback the person himself in a current press launch from Monster Vitality Honda.
“It was a bit irritating to not be within the podium within the final Dakar, being so shut. Now coming right here and profitable the Abu Dhabi Desert Problem just a few weeks after the Dakar is a good feeling.”
“Actually proud of the environment and spirit within the staff, it’s incredible when you possibly can win and have enjoyable on the identical time.”

Right here’s a glimpse on the present provisional standings after stage 5:
Pos. | Rider | Num | Nation | Staff | Time/Hole |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | VAN BEVEREN
Adrien |
42 | FRA | Monster Vitality Honda Staff | 17:13:39 |
2 | BENAVIDES
Luciano |
77 | ARG | Husqvarna Manufacturing facility Racing | 17:17:57 |
3 | PRICE
Toby |
18 | AUS | Pink Bull KTM Rally Manufacturing facility Staff | 17:18:52 |
4 | CORNEJO
José Ignacio |
11 | CHI | Monster Vitality Honda Staff | 17:18:54 |
5 | EVAN BRANCH
Ross |
16 | BWA | Hero Motorsports Staff Rally | 17:19:56 |
6 | HOWES
Skyler |
10 | USA | Husqvarna Manufacturing facility Racing | 17:20:02 |
7 | BRABEC
Ricky |
2 | USA | Monster Vitality Honda Staff | 17:23:44 |

Who do you suppose will win Dakar?