Champion of the Desert

In the gritty terrains of the Moroccan Sahara Desert, history was written. Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Luciano Benavides sealed his place among the rally elite by clinching the 2023 FIM World Rally-Raid Championship. Demonstrating masterful skill aboard his FR 450 Rally, the Argentinian dynamo proved that determination combined with exceptional talent is a recipe for success.

Navigating through the demanding fifth stage of the Rallye du Maroc, Benavides once again showcased his mettle by finishing as the second fastest. This pivotal performance not only crowned him runner-up of the event but also cemented his stature as the world champion at just 28.

This year witnessed the full bloom of Benavides’ prowess. From bagging three stage wins at the Dakar Rally to matching his career-best sixth position finish, from the runner-up spot at the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge to securing podiums at the Sonora Rally in Mexico and his home turf, the Desafio Ruta 40, Benavides’ track record in 2023 was nothing short of stellar. In total, he’s achieved an enviable tally of 10 stage wins across the five-round season.

The championship battle saw Benavides entering the final round with a nine-point lead over fierce rival Toby Price. With Price set for a potential win in Morocco, Benavides knew that a third-place finish or better would be his ticket to the championship glory. And, as champions do, Luciano held firm, navigating the final stage with precision, and seizing the coveted FIM World Rally-Raid Championship title.

Reminiscing his journey, an elated Benavides shared, “It’s a dream come true for me! Today was crazy! The navigation for this stage was tricky, but I loved opening the stage on the dunes.” He added, “It was really special to start first because I could just look forward and get on with it. I want to celebrate and enjoy this feeling because although it’s been a tough season, it’s been rewarding.”

Andreas Hölzl, the Rally Team Manager, beamed with pride, “We’re super, super happy for Luciano to be crowned world champion. The battle here in Morocco truly went down to the wire. The whole team have done an incredible job all season and we’re geared up as we now focus on the Dakar.”

As the celebrations ensue, all eyes are now set on the upcoming Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia, where Benavides will carry forward his championship momentum, aiming to etch his name in the annals of rally history once again.