Sanders is ready to claim first Dakar crown
Daniel Chucky Sanders wants a podium finish at Dakar with his new Red Bull KTM teamDaniel Sanders is hopeful of winning his first Dakar Rally title as competitors prepare for the infamous off-road race in Saudi Arabia.
Hailing from Victoria, Sanders will be competing in his fifth Dakar, but his first with the successful Red Bull KTM squad.
The 30-year-old Aussie, often known by his nickname Chucky, replaces compatriot Toby Price, who won two Dakar Rally titles with the same team.
“I think I have a really good chance of getting on the podium this year at Dakar,” said Sanders. “But of course you have to take it day by day.”
“The first week looks tough and quite intense, but I am really looking forward to it. I’m more determined than ever to put KTM back on the top step.”
Sanders’ confidence heading into Dakar was boosted by a win in the Rally du Maroc, which took place in Morrocco in October.
After finishing 4th at Dakar as a rookie in 2021, Sanders has failed to finish higher than 7th in his three other appearances with the KTM-powered GASGAS squad. But if his good form can be complimented with some good luck, then he is easily one of the favourites in the 2025 edition of the gruelling event.
Sanders will be joined on the KTM team by two-time Dakar winner Kevin Benavides and Luciano Benavides.
The Dakar Rally kicks off on January 3, 2025.
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