Monster Energy Honda HRC continued its strong start to the 2026 Sertões on Monday, with Tosha Schareina claiming his second consecutive stage victory in Moto 1 and Martim Ventura securing another win in Moto 2.
Stage 2 took the competitors from Cavalcante, in Goiás, to Luís Eduardo Magalhães, in Bahia, covering 623 kilometres in total, including 419 kilometres of timed special. The route marked a clear change in terrain, moving from narrow, hard-packed tracks into sandy sections and offering a demanding combination of speed, navigation and technical riding.
Schareina once again set the fastest time of the day aboard his Honda CRF450RX Rally. The reigning Sertões champion completed the special in 5h16m38s, taking his second stage win of the rally and extending his advantage at the top of the overall standings. The Spanish rider also remains firmly in control of the Moto 1 classification.
After starting the day conservatively to protect his tyres on the fast opening section, Schareina increased his pace after the first refuelling and eventually moved into the lead.
“It was another very tough day, with a lot of kilometres and another very early start — we were already up at four in the morning. I tried to take care of the tyres at the beginning because the special was very fast and there was a risk of getting a puncture. After the first refuelling, I tried to push the pace and fight for the lead, and it worked out in the end,” said Schareina.
Moto 2
Martim Ventura continued his impressive debut in the Sertões with another victory in Moto 2. Riding the Honda CRF450RX Rally, the Portuguese rider finished second overall in the stage, just 45 seconds behind his teammate, and strengthened his lead in the Moto 2 standings.
After a cautious start, Ventura lost some time in the first sandy sections and encountered a few navigation errors. He was able to increase his pace during the final part of the special and finish the day strongly.
“In the morning I started calmly, and then we reached the sandy section where I lost a little bit of time. I made a few navigation mistakes and wasn’t as aggressive as I could have been, but in the final section I pushed more and got back to my rhythm,” said Ventura.
After two stages, Schareina leads the overall motorcycle classification and Moto 1, while Ventura leads Moto 2 and sits third overall. The result also puts both Monster Energy Honda HRC riders in a strong position as the Sertões heads into its first marathon stage.
Tuesday will bring one of the biggest challenges of the rally. Stage 3 will take the competitors from Luís Eduardo Magalhães in Bahia to Mateiros in Tocantins, covering 533 kilometres, including a huge 511-kilometre timed special.
The marathon format means that riders will not have access to external mechanical assistance at the end of the stage, making mechanical management, physical condition and careful riding even more important.
With six stages still remaining and more than 2,000 kilometres of competition still ahead, the Sertões is only beginning to reveal its challenges.
Tosha Schareina 68
Today was a completely different stage, much faster than yesterday. We had a bit of everything — sand and different types of terrain — and once again, it’s our second stage and our second victory. We’re leading the race, and I felt really good with the bike and with how everything went today.
There was a little more navigation, so we had to stay focused and pay attention throughout the stage. Tomorrow we enter the marathon stage, so we’ll have to take care of the bike and manage our physical condition as well.
It’s been another good day, and now we need to stay focused for what’s coming
Martim Ventura 84
Everything is good. It’s been my second day here and I’m happy with how it’s going. I started the stage calmly and tried to take it easy in the morning, but I was able to ride well and find a good rhythm.
There was one section where I was a little slower and lost some time, but towards the end I started to push a bit more and it went really well. I felt good on the bike and I’m happy with my pace.
The tracks here are very similar to what we have in Portugal, so I feel quite comfortable. The bike is working really well and I’m feeling good, so let’s see what tomorrow brings.
I really like the terrain here, and I’m enjoying the race a lot. Let’s keep going.
