Published on 05.10.2021
Honda has solidified its rider line-up for the 2022 Dakar Rally by signing Pablo Quintanilla to the factory racing team. The Chilean rider joins Honda after five seasons riding for Husqvarna, where he claimed a runner-up finish in the 2020 Dakar.
Pablo’s move to Big Red comes after news last month that Dakar champ Kevin Benavides was leaving Honda for KTM, an exit that left Honda in need of a prompt replacement. “Benavides left the team after winning the Dakar and we were left with one rider less, so we had to look for a top rider to maintain the high level of Monster Energy Honda Team. This is what we have done, and that is why I am very pleased to have Pablo Quintanilla aboard,” said Team Manager Ruben Faria.
Quintanilla, 34, began his Cross-Country Rallies racing career with Honda back in 2013. Signing with Husqvarna Motorcycles prior to the 2016 Dakar Rally, Pablo immediately made his mark by claiming a stage win on his way to third overall. Later that year, the Chilean rider went on to top the FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship, clinching podium results in all four rounds. Forced to retire from the 2017 Dakar, Pablo made up for his disappointment by successfully defending his world title, including a win at the challenging Atacama Rally on home soil – a race he has won no fewer than four times.
Quintanilla will make his Monster Energy Honda Team debut astride the Honda CRF450 RALLY next week for the Andalucía Rally, which will take place on Spanish terrain in the regions of Cádiz and Seville from May 11-15.
May 11, 2021 at 04:53AM
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Dakar Racer Pablo Quintanilla Moves from Husqvarna to Honda - ADV Pulse
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