Reigning champion Daniel Sanders enters the 48th Dakar Rally as the clear favorite to defend his title after a dominant 2025 season. The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider is backed by strong teammates Luciano Benavides and rising star Edgar Canet, giving KTM a powerful lineup for the Saudi challenge.
Sanders’ form has been exceptional since winning Dakar last year. He followed that success with victories at the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, South African Safari Rally, and Rally-Raid Portugal, before sealing the W2RC title with a second-place finish in Morocco. This consistent run makes the Australian KTM’s team leader and the main rider to beat. However, Dakar history shows how difficult repeat wins are, with no rider managing back-to-back titles in the last decade.
The biggest threat is expected from Monster Energy Honda HRC, which fields a deep and experienced squad including Tosha Schareina, Ricky Brabec, Adrien Van Beveren, and Skyler Howes. Brabec, a two-time Dakar winner, is chasing a possible third title, while Schareina stands out after beating Sanders in 2025 by winning the Rallye du Maroc. Van Beveren also remains a serious contender after finishing third in the last two Dakars.
Outside the top teams, Hero MotoSport and Sherco Rally Factory aim to disrupt the favorites. Hero’s Ross Branch and Nacho Cornejo, along with Sherco riders Bradley Cox and Lorenzo Santolino, are targeting podium finishes in Rally GP and strong results in Rally 2.
In Rally 2, the fight is expected to be intense, with Tobias Ebster, Harith Noah, and Michael Docherty among the main contenders, while others aim for surprise top-10 overall finishes.
Meanwhile, the Original by Motul category will again feature riders competing without assistance. A renewed battle is expected between Emanuel Gyenes and Benjamin Melot, with several other experienced privateers also eyeing the top of this demanding class.