Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Daniel Sanders has successfully completed the opening half of the 2026 Dakar Rally’s Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Daniel Sanders has successfully completed the opening half of first marathon stage as fifth-fastest. Also bringing their KTM 450 RALLY machines safely to the bivouac, Luciano Benavides and Edgar Canet placed seventh and eighth, respectively.
Across the demanding route from AlUla to the marathon refuge, riders tackled a 417-kilometer timed special, linked by 78 kilometers of liaison. Fast sandy canyons were balanced by technical off-piste navigation, rocky slabs, and winding tracks where lines were often difficult to spot. With no outside assistance permitted overnight, stage four demanded measured decision-making and mechanical sympathy as the rally moved deeper into its first decisive phase.
Third into the special, Sanders focused on closing the gap to the riders ahead. A couple of small navigation errors cost the Australian valuable time early on and forced the 2025 Dakar winner to push hard in the latter half of the stage. Balancing outright speed with the need to conserve his tires and machinery, Sanders delivered a controlled and determined ride to reach the marathon refuge as fifth-fastest. The result leaves Daniel third in the provisional overall standings, just one minute and 24 seconds behind the rally leader.
Setting a solid pace from his seventh-place start position, Benavides delivered another strong performance on stage four. Choosing to minimize the risk to his KTM 450 RALLY, the Argentine maintained a consistent speed through the timed special, keeping himself well inside the top six on time for much of the stage. Arriving at the temporary bivouac just over three minutes behind the day’s winner, Luciano ultimately placed seventh on the stage and remains fifth in the overall standings.
With a similarly cautious approach aimed at reaching the finish safely and without incident, Canet continues to gain knowledge and experience at this year’s Dakar on what is his debut RallyGP appearance. Eighth on the stage, Edgar lies fourth overall after the completion of four full stages.
Andreas Hölzl – Rally Team Manager: “We’ve only had brief contact with the riders so far, as this is a true marathon bivouac with no internet or outside support. All three are doing well, and Daniel once again did a very strong job, especially managing the tires on what was a very rocky stage. Looking after the bike is crucial over two days without the team or service crew, and he remains in a good position overall. It’s still early in the rally and we know it will continue to be challenging, but this was a solid start. Luciano also delivered a great ride today and is well placed in the starting order for tomorrow, continuing a very positive rally for him so far. Edgar is making steady progress as well, and in his first season in RallyGP he is doing a really impressive job. The first part of the marathon stage has gone well, and now we wait to see what tomorrow brings.”
Tomorrow’s stage five will bring the marathon stage to a close, with riders traveling from the marathon refuge to Ha’il. The day will feature a 356-kilometer timed special, linked by liaison sections for a total distance of 414 kilometers, with navigation and mechanical reliability remaining critical following the overnight without outside assistance.
Provisional Results – 2026 Dakar Rally, Stage 4
- Tosha Schareina (ESP), Honda, 4:31:56
- Ricky Brabec (USA), Honda, 4:32:02 +0:06
- Skyler Howes (USA), Honda, 4:32:06 +0:10
- Ross Branch (BOT), Hero, 4:32:12 +0:16
- Daniel Sanders (AUS), KTM, 4:34:33 +2:37
Other KTM
- Luciano Benavides (ARG), KTM, 4:35:12 +3:16
- Edgar Canet (ESP), KTM, 4:35:45 +3:49
Provisional Standings – 2026 Dakar Rally (after 4 of 13 stages)
- Tosha Schareina (ESP), Honda, 16:45:40
- Ricky Brabec (USA), Honda, 16:45:40
- Daniel Sanders (AUS), KTM, 16:47:04 +1:24
- Edgar Canet (ESP), KTM, 16:57:02 +11:22
- Luciano Benavides (ARG), KTM, 16:58:49 +13:09
