The 2023 FIM World Rally Raid Championship - Bike Travel Adventures Magazine

The FIM World Rally Raid Championship, in its second year, continues to captivate the adventure motorcycle segment with unbridled enthusiasm and fierce competition. 2023 marks another thrilling chapter in this global spectacle, which has quickly become a cornerstone in the world of rally-raid racing. Featuring a lineup of some of the most skilled and daring riders, the championship traverses diverse and challenging terrains, pushing the limits of both machines and their riders. This article delves into the heart of the 2023 championship, exploring the stages, the top contenders, and the crowning of a new champion in the Rally GP motorcycle category.

BRANCH Ross (bwa), Hero Motorsports Team Rally, Hero 450 Rally, FIM W2RC, portrait during the Stage 3 of the 2023 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, 2nd round of the 2023 W2RC season, on March 1, 2023 around Qasr Al Sarab in the Liwa Desert, Abu Dhabi

Overview of the Championship

In its second iteration, the 2023 FIM World Rally Raid Championship has undoubtedly upped the ante, attracting the crème de la crème of rally-raid stars from across the globe. This year’s lineup is a dream ensemble of talent and tenacity, each competitor vying for the coveted title.

Central to the championship’s allure is its unique format, a blend of marathon events and shorter, intense rallies. The Dakar Rally, renowned for its grueling challenge, remains the season’s highlight, a true test of endurance and skill. The championship comprises five key rallies, each distinct in its challenges and terrain. The point system, designed to reward consistency, adds an intriguing strategic layer to the competition. Points are awarded differently in marathon events compared to shorter rallies, making every stage crucial for the overall standings.

With this innovative format, the 2023 championship has not just been a test of speed but also a testament to strategic planning and adaptability.

47 BENAVIDES Kevin (arg), Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, KTM, Moto, FIM W2RC, action during the Stage 13 of the Dakar 2023 between Shaybah and Al-Hofuf, on January 14, 2023 in Al-Hofuf, Saudi Arabia

1. Dakar Rally

Saudi Arabia

The 2023 championship kicked off with the legendary Dakar Rally, a two-week ordeal spanning the vast and challenging landscapes of Saudi Arabia. Renowned for its harsh conditions and demanding routes, the Dakar Rally set the tone for the championship with its rigorous test of endurance.

Results:

Toby Price (AUS), Red Bull KTM Factory Racing: 30 points (2nd)
Pablo Quintanilla (CHL), Monster Energy Honda Team: 20 points (4th)
Adrien Van Beveren (FRA), Monster Energy Honda Team: 17 points (5th)
Luciano Benavides (ARG), Husqvarna Factory Racing: 15 points (6th)
Ross Branch (BWA), Hero Motosports Team Rally: 8 points (11th)

2. Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge

United Arab Emirates

Next was the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, a blend of desert terrains that tested the riders’ dexterity and navigational skills. This stage provided a different challenge with its unique dunes and desert landscapes.

Results:

Adrien Van Beveren (FRA), Monster Energy Honda Team: 25 points (1st)
Luciano Benavides (ARG), Husqvarna Factory Racing: 20 points (2nd)
Toby Price (AUS), Red Bull KTM Factory Racing: 16 points (3rd)
Ross Branch (BWA), Hero Motosports Team Rally: 11 points (5th)
Pablo Quintanilla (CHL), Monster Energy Honda Team: Did not participate

3. Sonora Rally

Mexico

The Sonora Rally brought the competitors to North America, where they faced diverse terrains ranging from rocky paths to sandy stretches. This rally was a test of versatility and resilience.

Results:

Luciano Benavides (ARG), Husqvarna Factory Racing: 20 points (2nd)
Toby Price (AUS), Red Bull KTM Factory Racing: 16 points (3rd)
Adrien Van Beveren (FRA), Monster Energy Honda Team: 11 points (5th)
Ross Branch (BWA), Hero Motosports Team Rally: 10 points (6th)
Pablo Quintanilla (CHL), Monster Energy Honda Team: 8 points (8th)

4. Desafio Ruta 40

Argentina

In Argentina, the Desafio Ruta 40 awaited the riders with its rugged trails and varied topography. Known for its challenging routes, this stage required a high level of skill and adaptability.

Results:

Luciano Benavides (ARG), Husqvarna Factory Racing: 25 points (1st)
Ross Branch (BWA), Hero Motosports Team Rally: 16 points (3rd)
Adrien Van Beveren (FRA), Monster Energy Honda Team: 13 points (4th)
Pablo Quintanilla (CHL), Monster Energy Honda Team: 11 points (5th)
Toby Price (AUS), Red Bull KTM Factory Racing: 9 points (7th)

5. Rallye du Maroc

Morocco

The championship concluded with the Rallye du Maroc, a blend of fast tracks and technical sections through the Moroccan landscape. This final stage was crucial for securing championship points and standings.

Results:

Toby Price (AUS), Red Bull KTM Factory Racing: 25 points (1st)
Luciano Benavides (ARG), Husqvarna Factory Racing: 20 points (2nd)
Pablo Quintanilla (CHL), Monster Energy Honda Team: 16 points (3rd)
Ross Branch (BWA), Hero Motosports Team Rally: 13 points (4th)
Adrien Van Beveren (FRA), Monster Energy Honda Team: 10 points (6th)

Final Top 5 Riders in 2023 Championship

Luciano Benavides (ARG) – Husqvarna Factory Racing – Total Points: 100
Toby Price (AUS) – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing – Total Points: 96
Adrien Van Beveren (FRA) – Monster Energy Honda Team – Total Points: 76
Ross Branch (BWA) – Hero Motosports Team Rally – Total Points: 58
Pablo Quintanilla (CHL) – Monster Energy Honda Team – Total Points: 55

The championship crowned Luciano Benavides as the 2023 champion, a testament to his consistency and skill across varied and challenging terrains. His performances, along with those of his closest competitors, underscored the high-caliber racing that defined this year’s event.

The 2023 FIM World Rally Raid Championship has been a spectacular showcase of endurance, strategy, and sheer motorcycling prowess. This year’s event not only highlighted the exceptional talent of riders like Luciano Benavides, Toby Price, and Adrien Van Beveren but also underlined the diverse and challenging nature of rally-raid racing. As we reflect on the inspiring stories and the resilience demonstrated in this championship, our excitement only grows for what the 2024 season will bring. Stay tuned to our upcoming editions for comprehensive coverage and exclusive insights as we follow the unfolding of the next thrilling chapter in the world of rally-raid racing.