Red Bull KTM Factory Racing are in Riyadh for the Dakar Rally rest day at the halfway point of the 2026 event, with Daniel Sanders holding the overall lead after six demanding stages. Luciano Benavides sits third following a stage win during the marathon stage, while Edgar Canet has already made a strong impression in his first Dakar Rally competing in the RallyGP category, claiming victories in both the prologue and stage one.
The opening half of the rally has delivered a relentless mix of terrain, from rocky tracks and fast gravel to extended dune stages. The two-day marathon stage proved to be a pivotal test, placing a premium on tire management, navigation, and mechanical sympathy, with no outside assistance permitted overnight. The week concluded with the longest stage of the rally through the dunes of the Qassim region. With a demanding first half now complete, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing will use the rest day to reset as the event pauses briefly in the Saudi capital.
Sanders has produced a consistently strong performance across the opening six stages, combining speed with accurate navigation to hold the overall rally lead at the rest day. Despite the added challenge of opening stages and managing penalties, the Australian remains focused as attention turns to the decisive second half of the rally.
Daniel Sanders: “The first week hasn’t been as clean or controlled as we would have liked, and there were a few missed opportunities where we should have capitalized more on the pace we had. My speed and navigation have generally been very strong and physically I feel really good on the bike, but I’ve made some small mistakes that add up in rally racing, especially when you’re trying to build a gap. Even so, we’re still leading, which shows the potential we have, although it’s not a comfortable position yet. Stage six was frustrating with the speed penalty caused by an issue with my buzzer, but aside from that the feeling in the sand and on the bike was very positive. Going into the second week, the focus is on being cleaner, sharper, and making better decisions in the navigation so we can really make the most of what we have.”
Benavides claimed his first stage win of the 2026 Dakar on stage five, delivering a determined ride through the marathon stage to move himself into third overall. The Argentine has shown strong form in the dunes and continues to build momentum as the terrain becomes increasingly demanding.
Luciano Benavides: “Overall, the first week has been really, really good for me. It’s the first time I’ve been in a podium position after the first week of Dakar, which is something I’m not used to. Right now, I’m around 10 minutes off the lead, and even though the second week looks like it will be tougher than the first, I believe we’re in the fight for a strong result. The feeling on the bike has been very good, the team has done an amazing job, and I had no major issues in the marathon stage, plus a stage win already. Physically I’m not at 100 percent yet, but my rhythm and confidence are improving every day, so the rest day will be important to recharge and be ready to push again in the second week.”
For Canet, the first half of the rally has been defined by a remarkable step up in his Dakar career. Competing in the RallyGP category for the first time, the 20-year-old made an immediate impact by winning the prologue, before following it up with victory on stage one to become the youngest stage winner in the bike category. While the marathon stage tested both rider and machine, Canet has consistently demonstrated front-running pace and strong navigation, gaining invaluable experience as he adapts to the demands of RallyGP competition.
Edgar Canet: “The first week was crazy for me, probably the craziest week of my life. Starting the rally with a prologue win and then winning another stage was incredible and I’m really proud of that. Then in the rocky stages and during the marathon I arrived at the bivouac in good shape, but the next day I was pushing hard, catching the riders in front, and I broke the rear wheel. That cost me a lot, around six hours including penalties, and it took me out of the top positions. It was a really tough day mentally, especially just before the rest day. I’m happy to be here now and reach the halfway point of the rally. I’m treating the race as a big learning experience. I’ve learned a lot in the first week and I’m ready to keep working hard and pushing again in the second.”
With riders and teams now using the rest day to recover, reset, and prepare, focus is firmly on the challenges still to come. Week two of the Dakar Rally traditionally delivers the toughest stages of the event, with longer specials, increased fatigue, and intensified battles for position in the overall classification.
Andreas Hölzl – Rally Team Manager: “We started the rally really well with the prologue and stage one victory, which gave the team a great opening. Edgar showed very good speed early on, and although his issue put him far back overall, he will keep fighting for strong results in the second week. Daniel continues to do a great job and has shown again how high his pace really is. Although his lead in the overall stands at less than a minute, he definitely has the speed and skill to stretch that out as the race continues. Luciano’s performance has been outstanding. Only a few weeks ago he was still struggling with injury, and now he’s back with a stage win and fighting at the front, which shows his determination and mental strength. The focus now is on recovery during the rest day and staying fully concentrated for week two. The bike is working very well, the team is doing a great job, and we will keep pushing.”
Racing resumes tomorrow with the long 876-kilometer stage seven as competitors leave Riyadh to begin the second half of the 2026 Dakar Rally.
Provisional Standings – 2026 Dakar Rally (after 6 of 13 stages)
1. Daniel Sanders (AUS), KTM, 24:41:00
2. Ricky Brabec (USA), Honda, 24:41:45 +0:45
3. Luciano Benavides (ARG), KTM, 24:51:15 +10:15
4. Tosha Schareina (ESP), Honda, 24:52:56 +11:56
5. Ignacio Cornejo (CHI), Hero, 25:10:50 +29:50
Other KTM
59. Edgar Canet (ESP), KTM, 35:38:27 +27 +10:57:27