A review of the last ten editions of the Dakar Rally provides a clear snapshot of the discipline’s recent evolution. The period has been marked by the rise of elite riders from new continents, the end of KTM’s long-standing dominance, a significantly expanded pool of genuine contenders, and championship battles far more open than those of the Despres–Coma era. In that time, six different riders have claimed victory, yet none has succeeded in defending a title.
Daniel Sanders appears best positioned to break that pattern, provided he sustains the exceptional form he has displayed since reaching full maturity—culminating in his landmark triumph last January. Dominant from start to finish, the Australian followed his Dakar success with victories at the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, the South African Safari Rally, and the bp Ultimate RallyRaid Portugal. He capped off a flawless campaign by securing the W2RC title with a second-place finish at the Rallye du Maroc. On the strength of this commanding run, the Melbourne-based rider arrives in Saudi Arabia as KTM’s clear leader and the outright favorite.
Should Sanders encounter setbacks, KTM’s depth remains a formidable asset. Former world champion Luciano Benavides continues to wait for his moment to step onto the Dakar podium after finishing fourth in 2025, while young Spanish talent Edgar Canet impressed with an eighth-place finish on his debut at just 19 years old. Already a Rally 2 W2RC champion, Canet has demonstrated a maturity and consistency well beyond his years.
Yet the Saudi desert is unlikely to offer Sanders a straightforward path to victory. The most intense challenge is expected to come from Honda, whose lineup features four seasoned riders with prior Dakar podium finishes. Double winner Ricky Brabec (2020, 2024) remains the only rider capable of claiming a third title, though much of the attention is focused on Tosha Schareina. The Spaniard, runner-up to Sanders at both the most recent Dakar and in the W2RC standings, was notably the only rider to defeat him in 2025, courtesy of his victory at the Rallye du Maroc. Honda’s strength is further reinforced by Adrien Van Beveren, who has finished third in each of the last two editions and continues to pursue a breakthrough win.
Beyond the two dominant manufacturers, several outsiders harbor genuine ambitions. Last year’s hopes for former world champion Ross Branch were cut short by an early retirement, but his partnership with “Nacho” Cornejo at Hero could disrupt established predictions. Sherco shares similar aspirations, having recruited South African Bradley Cox to join forces with Lorenzo Santolino, with both riders targeting a podium finish in Yanbu.
Hero and Sherco are also engaged in a parallel battle in the Rally 2 category, where emerging talent seeks to capitalize on the step up to the elite ranks vacated by reigning champion Edgar Canet. Hero has added Tobias Ebster, who closely matched the Catalan prodigy’s pace throughout the season to finish second in the W2RC standings, while 2024 winner Harith Noah remains loyal to the French manufacturer. This fiercely contested class will also feature prominently the BAS World KTM team, fielding South African Michael Docherty—capable of challenging for a Top 10 overall result—alongside Slovenia’s Toni Mulec (13th in 2025) and Poland’s Konrad Dąbrowski (16th in 2025).
The RacerViews info
By Matt Hancock
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