This week marks the end of an era in the world of rally raid: Pablo Quintanilla and Kevin Benavides, two of the biggest names on two wheels, have both announced their retirement – each for very different, yet equally significant reasons.
🇨🇱 Pablo Quintanilla – The Chilean Consistency Bows Out
Turning point: During Stage 8 of the 2025 Dakar Rally, Pablo suffered a serious crash, lost consciousness, sustained bruises and a shoulder injury – enough to convince him to call it a day.
Career highlights: Two FIM World Championship titles (2016, 2017); three Dakar podiums (P2 in 2020 & 2022); over 15 years as a professional, most recently a key player in the Honda factory team.
Farewell quote:
“Today was a very important day for me. I have announced my retirement… I had the opportunity to win two world championships and stand on the Dakar podium three times… The last few years … were a pleasure as part of the Monster Energy Honda HRC team.”
Conclusion: Quintanilla ends his motorcycle career with dignity – and still young enough to consider a future in four-wheel racing.
🇦🇷 Kevin Benavides – The Two-Time Champion Makes His Decision
Reason for retirement: A serious arm injury during training in 2024, accompanied by nerve damage, left Kevin unable to fully control his right arm. As a result, he has stepped away from professional motorcycle racing.
Achievements: Two-time Dakar champion (Honda 2021, KTM 2023); part of the Red Bull KTM Factory Team since 2021; made a final appearance in 2025 – likely his last on a bike.
Statement:
“Today is not an easy day, but it’s definitely a special one… I’ve made one of the hardest decisions of my life: to bring my professional motorcycle racing career to an end.”
Future: Kevin plans to return to the Dakar in the four-wheel category.
🔍 What This Means for Honda, KTM & the Sport
Honda HRC not only loses a fast rider in Quintanilla, but also an experienced leader. The search for a replacement (Michael Docherty, Konrad Dąbrowski, Mathieu Dovèze) is now underway.
Red Bull KTM must replace another key figure with Kevin stepping down. While Luciano Benavides (his brother) is already a top performer, Kevin’s experience will be hard to replace.
In the broader picture of the FIM Rally GP, we are losing two riders who have consistently been in the top 5 for years. Their departure opens the field – creating opportunities for a new generation of rally talent.
📌 Recap & Outlook – The Rally Update
| Rider | Retirement | Highlights | Future |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pablo Quintanilla | After Dakar 2025 | 2x FIM World Champion, 3x Dakar podium | Possible move to four-wheel racing |
| Kevin Benavides | June 2025 | 2x Dakar Champion | Plans to race in the Dakar auto category |
🏍️ Who Will Fill the Gaps at Honda – and What’s Happening at KTM?
The retirement of Pablo Quintanilla leaves a clear vacancy in Honda HRC’s lineup. With Skyler Howes and Tosha Schareina already in place, and José Ignacio Cornejo having switched to Hero Motosports, there’s room for new energy.
Possible candidates:
🔸 Michael Docherty (South Africa – BAS World KTM)
Explosively fast, Rally2 stage winner, technically skilled. A factory deal with Honda would be a big step up – and a chance for Honda to develop a fan favorite.
🔸 Konrad Dąbrowski (Poland – DUUST Rally Team)
A tactically smart and consistent rider. A long-term development project with great potential for Honda.
🔸 Mathieu Dovèze (France – BAS World KTM)
Impressive Dakar 2024 performance, including a Rally2 stage win. A quiet contender who could shine under the right conditions.
❓ Mason Klein
Currently riding for Kove. While Honda would offer a stronger platform, Klein is deeply involved with Kove. A move to Honda could happen, but not before 2026/27.
💰 Financial Pressure at KTM – Honda’s Opportunity?
KTM is reportedly under financial pressure, with several high-paying contracts set to expire. This could shift the rider market – away from salary bidding wars and toward stability and development.
➡️ For Honda, this opens the door to position itself as a reliable and attractive platform for young talent.
🚗 What’s Next for Quintanilla & Benavides?
Both riders have made it clear that while their two-wheel careers may be over, their motorsport journeys are not.
- Kevin Benavides has confirmed his plans to race in the car category at Dakar in the future.
- Pablo Quintanilla has left the door open for a transition into a four-wheeled cockpit – possibly a side-by-side or rally-raid car.
Conclusion:
We may not have seen the last of them – just the end of one chapter. And if anyone knows how to navigate the desert, it’s these two.