Martim Ventura stormed back onto home soil to claim victory on stage four of the 2026 Rally-Raid Portugal.
After leaving Spain behind, the penultimate stage stretched across a demanding 639 km route, winding its way south into Portugal toward the Algarve city of Loulé. Riders had hoped to escape the persistent wet weather that has defined this year’s rally, but the conditions continued to play their part. Of the total distance, 317 km were timed, beginning with slower, technical sections marked by frequent gates before opening into faster tracks after the border crossing. Even then, water-filled ruts forced riders to stay cautious on what proved to be the longest and most punishing day of the event.
Ventura’s rally didn’t begin smoothly as the home favourite crashed during the prologue and needed several days to settle into a consistent rhythm aboard his Honda CRF450 RX RALLY. However, the 25-year-old, who secured his first World Rally-Raid Championship stage win at this event last year and added two more at the Dakar Rally earlier this season, was determined to deliver.
Driven by the prospect of performing in front of home fans, Ventura kept mistakes to a minimum and surged to the front of the Rally 2 category, maintaining his lead to the finish. He crossed the line with a 2’14” advantage over second place in a commanding performance, also clawing back four minutes on overall leader Bruno Santos, reducing the gap to 8’53”.
Teammate Preston Campbell described it as his strongest day of the rally so far, continuing to adapt to the ever-changing terrain and conditions. While his growing confidence on the Honda CRF450 RX RALLY was evident, it didn’t fully translate into the results sheet, with the American finishing eighth, 8’30” behind Ventura. He remains seventh overall, now 29’19” off the lead.
With the finish line in Loulé fast approaching, the Monster Energy Honda HRC duo will be pushing hard on the final day, with just 291 km left to run.
Ruben Faria - General Manager
It was a big day for Martim winning the stage in the Rally 2 class and he was fourth overall with only Rally GP riders Tosha Schareina, Daniel Sanders and Adrien Van Beveren finishing ahead of him. Preston also enjoyed a solid day finishing in eighth and he felt strong on the bike with no major issues. We have both riders still in the race and they’re ready for the final stage tomorrow.
Martim Ventura 84 - Stage: 1st Overall: 2nd
I tried to increase my rhythm a bit and I had some limitations on the turns as I didn’t want to put my foot down too much on the ground. I wanted to do some good racing in Portugal for the fans, for all the people around here, as the support has been amazing. I’m happy even though I wanted more this week, but I couldn’t, so I have to be happy for today. I want big things from this race in the future and I wanted it this year too, but I just don’t have the rhythm and I’m not in the best condition, but from what I’ve been able to do, I’m happy.
Preston Campbell 85 - Stage: 8th Overall: 7th
Today was good, I enjoyed it a lot. I felt like I rode my best day of the rally. Personally, I felt pretty good on the bike, so happy with trying to adapt here and yes it’s been a struggle, but I've been enjoying trying to improve everyday. At home we don’t have this type of terrain too much, we have open desert, so these tight, little roads, wet and muddy aren’t our speciality. But I’m having a good time trying to adapt.
Comunicado oficial
Foto: Todoterreno.pt / ImagensDesportivas.pt
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