Daniel Sanders Triumphs at 2024 Rallye du Maroc
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Celebrates Double Podium Finish
In a thrilling conclusion to the 2024 Rallye du Maroc, Daniel Sanders of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing secured the overall victory, marking a significant achievement for both the rider and the team. After five intense stages spanning 1,436 kilometers of challenging Moroccan terrain, Sanders emerged victorious with a commanding lead of over 11 minutes. Teammate Luciano Benavides was also impressed, securing third place overall and ensuring a double podium for the KTM team.
Despite adverse weather conditions and tricky navigation throughout the rally, the Red Bull KTM riders showcased exceptional skill and endurance. Riding his KTM 450 RALLY, Sanders delivered a stellar performance throughout the week. After dominating stages three and four, he faced the challenge of opening the fifth and final stages. A minor error early in the stage briefly set him back, but Sanders quickly regained his rhythm, leading much of the route and finishing safely in 13th place for the day. This victory marks Sanders’ second career rally win and sets the stage for his run at the 2025 Dakar Rally.
“I’m so pleased with how the whole rally has gone, especially taking the win, of course,” Sanders shared. “It’s been a massive accomplishment for me and the whole team. After a tough recovery from my injury, it feels incredible to be back on top.”
Returning to the KTM squad, Luciano Benavides demonstrated his grit and determination throughout the event. On the final day, Benavides quickly caught up with Sanders after the 100-kilometer mark, and the two worked together to navigate the challenging Moroccan desert. Benavides finished the day as the eighth-fastest rider, securing his well-earned spot on the overall podium in third place.
“Stage five was the toughest of the rally, with tricky navigation and tough conditions,” Benavides commented. “I’m happy with our progress, and standing on the podium feels amazing after being back with the team. There’s still work to do before Dakar, but I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
With the Rallye du Maroc behind them, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing now focuses on the 2025 Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia, which will take place from January 3 to 17, 2025.
Provisional Results – 2024 Rallye du Maroc, Stage 5:
- Tosha Schareina (ESP), Honda, 2:33:04
- Lorenzo Santolino (ESP), Sherco, 2:33:56 +0:52
- Adrien Van Beveren (FRA), Honda, 2:34:31 +1:27
- Edgar Canet (ESP), KTM, 2:34:53 +1:49
- Harith Noah (IND), Sherco, 2:39:13 +6:09
- Luciano Benavides (ARG), KTM, 2:40:21 +7:29
- Daniel Sanders (AUS), KTM, 2:43:29 +10:37
Provisional Standings – 2024 Rallye du Maroc (after five stages):
- Daniel Sanders (AUS), KTM, 15:45:06
- Tosha Schareina (ESP), Honda, 15:56:13 +11:07
- Luciano Benavides (ARG), KTM, 16:06:09 +21:03
- Adrien Van Beveren (FRA), Honda, 16:07:57 +22:51
- Bradley Cox (ZAF), KTM, 16:30:11 +45:05
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing will undoubtedly carry the momentum from this triumph into the following major challenge—the iconic Dakar Rally.
Photos/Videos: Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Media – Words: Mike de la Torre
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