Image: Supplied.

Red Bull KTM’s Toby Price has claimed seventh in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, round one of the 2018 Cross-Country Rallies World Championship.

Price won the opening stage, however a crash on stage two that resulted in a damaged fuel-line put him on the back-foot for the remainder of the rally.

Despite the setback, the Australian pressed on, posting some excellent stage times even while riding injured. A strong fourth on the final stage was enough to move Price one place higher in the standings to seventh.

“I’m happy with how the day went today,” Price reflected. “Overall, seventh at the end of the rally is not where I had planned to finish, but after my crash earlier in the week I am glad to be here at the finish in one piece.

“The bike has been perfect throughout the rally and even with the mass start today I was able to gain a little time and move up one spot in the overall.

“For now, I plan to rest a little and then prepare for the next rally in Morocco. If I can learn a little from my mistakes and stay on two-wheels everything should be good.”

Abu Dhabi’s opening round was won by Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Pablo Quintanilla, ahead of Sam Sunderland (Red Bull KTM) and Kevin Benavides (Monster Energy Honda). Price’s next appearance will be the Merzouga Rally in Morocco from 15-20 April.