Red Bull KTM confirms 2027 Dakar trio: “We’re in a strong position”

Since 30 October, it has been clear whether and where the 2027 Dakar Rally will take place. As Saudi Arabia is considered too unsafe a venue due to the armed conflict between the US, Israel and Iran, the event has been relocated to Portugal and – predominantly – Morocco. The season opener of the ‘World Rally-Raid Championship’ will take place from 9 to 23 January.

Das KTM-Trio für die Dakar 2027

Foto: Sebas Romero

As the terrain in North Africa is largely familiar, the change does not present an insurmountable challenge for the participating teams – not even for defending champion Luciano Benavides. The Red Bull KTM rider is part of a strong trio, completed by Daniel Sanders and Edgar Canet.

“It was an incredible 2026 season for Red Bull KTM, which began back in January with Luciano’s emotional victory at the Dakar Rally,” recalls team manager Andreas Hölzl. “It was a tougher race for Daniel, but we were able to carry that momentum into the rest of the season and have won every round of the Rally Raid World Championship so far. I’m particularly proud that all three of our riders have proven they can win at the very highest level. A great deal of hard work lies behind these results, both on the part of the riders themselves and everyone involved behind the scenes.”

KTM’s toughest rival is likely to be the Honda Racing Corporation works team once again, but Hero, Sherco and newcomers ZX Moto are also likely to spring a few surprises. KTM is prepared.

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“Just as our riders are constantly pushing their own boundaries, we never stop developing the KTM 450 Rally, and the team is working harder than ever to improve every aspect of the bike,” emphasised Hölzl. “Although we still have one championship round to go, the season has been excellent preparation for the upcoming Dakar Rally. I believe we are in a very strong position, and I am truly proud of everything the team has achieved, whilst we are already looking ahead to 2027.”

Das KTM-Trio für die Dakar 2027

Foto: Sebas Romero