Meet Tosha Schareina: Man on a Mission
Down to earth, a hard worker and with a dream in the drawer to one day win the Dakar Rally. Tosha Schareina grew up with the myth of the legendary Paris – Dakar with Marc Coma, Nani Roma and then Joan Barreda as a reference.
The 28-year-old Spaniard started racing motorbikes when he was a kid, following the example of his uncle, who was racing Motocross. Since then, he’s never looked back. After scoring some good results in enduro racing, he then moved across to rallies where he impressed since its debut: P13, winner of the marathon bike category and second best rookie in 2021, and another P13 finish in 2023.
The new face in the Monster Energy Honda Team, Tosha took victory in both the Baja Aragon and Desafio Ruta 40 and he’s ready to show the world his full potential. Get to know him a bit better…
Born and grown up in Valencia, you have motorbikes in your blood. You started with dirt bikes, but have you ever considered to become a MotoGP rider?
“I moved my first steps on a mini moto Lem 50cc. I got as a birthday present when I was 7. My uncle was racing Motocross so I followed this path. I have always been competitive, and since the beginning I knew that this is what I wanted to do.
“There was a moment when I was young that I had the opportunity to switch to road racing, but in the end I sticked to off road.”
Who is your reference in MotoGP?
“I have been watching MotoGP since I was young. My first reference was Sete Gibernau, then Jorge Lorenzo came, and Marc Maquez on the Honda HRC. I was in Valencia for the Final round this year and it was an incredible battle between Jorge Martin and Pecco Bagnaia. Pecco rode fantastically but Jorge is Spanish and of course I have aways supported my compatriots”.
What is so special about the Dakar rally?
“It’s a myth. A dream I had since I was a kid. You know that you will experience extreme conditions, cold, heat, success and failures but when you cross the finish line, everything is rewarded”.
Spain has a huge history in Dakar, thinking of Marc Coma, and Joan Barreda in the bikes, Carlos Sainz Snr or Nani Roma in the cars: which skill would you pick from these guys?
“It would be a mix of all of them: Marc Coma’s mental strength and navigation skills and Barreda’s speed. From Carlos Sainz and Nani (Roma) I would take their huge experience. I try to learn from everyone, also from Gerard Farres, Juan Pedrero, Esidre Esteve, and of course my team mates in the Monster Energy Honda Team. I learn a lot from them”.
There is a lot of expectations for your debut on the Dakar with the Monster Energy Honda colours. What do you answer to those who consider you as the true revelation of this final part of the 2023 season?
“We are doing a great season and I can count on an incredible team, but it’s important to remain realistic and to proceed one step at the time. The Dakar is a long race that requires respect. According to David Castera’s briefing this will be the toughest edition since we race in Saudi Arabia so I remain calm”.
Does it make you feel pressure or is an extra motivation to take the seat that has been of Joan Barred for many years?
“Joan has always been my idol so riding a Honda with the Monster Energy colors is an honor and for sure an extra motivation”.
A man on a mission, what is your target for this 2024 Dakar?
“The ultimate goal is to fight for the victory, but I know that I’m still on a learning process. I’m the youngest in the team and I’m learning a lot from my team mates. What makes me confident and grateful is that we are doing all the step to arrive one day to win the Dakar”.
How do you feel with the Honda bike?
“The machine is amazing. I received the phone call from Ruben Faria just one week before the Sonora Rally in Mexico and I could test the bike only for 3-4 days before the race. Mexico was very special because it was my first race with the Monster Energy Honda colours and I achieved my first podium in the World Rally championship. I won the Baja Aragon and the Desafio Ruta 40 in Argentina and finally P5 in Morocco, after having won some stages. Since day one I was impressed by the bike, it suits me very well”.
Looking at the 2024 route. Do you see a crucial stage to make the difference?
“The first week and especially the two marathon stages “48H chrono”, will be crucial. Pass them without too many problems will be essential, so that you can start pushing more in the second week”.
What is more needed on a crazy race like the Dakar: instinct or rationality?
“I would say both, and in the same quantity. You need to be strategic, know when to push and when to be more conservative, but also to follow your instinct to read the terrain and understand the notes of the road book. I would also add hard work. I consider myself talented but I wouldn’t be here without so much commitment, dedication and lots of effort”.
What’s your main strength?
“This year I can count on a team that takes care of everything, so when I jump on my Honda bike I don’t have to worry, but just focusing on riding. This is a privilege. I feel very comfortable to ride alone opening the track”.
There is a saying that none returns the same from a Dakar. is there a lesson that have you learned?
“Rally raids can bring you in poor places. I was impressed by those kids that despite the fact that they have nothing, they give you something. In the middle of the desert a bottle of water means a lot, and I received it from one of these kids.
“As a rider, the Dakar rally teaches you to remain calm and proactive to find a solution when the unexpected happens. In fact, when you think you have everything under control, something happens. You can be super prepared but open to face new challenges as best as possible.”
