Image: Supplied.

At the halfway point of the 2023 Dakar Rally, Australians Toby Price and Daniel Sanders remain in contention entering the final six stages of the prestigious event.

Following stage eight which featured a 346-kilometre timed special, Prologue victor Price (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team) is fourth in the provisional standings.

The two-time Dakar winner is 2m58s from leader Skyler Howes (Husqvarna Factory Racing) entering the final six stages, as countryman Sanders (Red Bull GasGas Factory Racing) sits seventh, 8m3s adrift from the top.

Second in the Prologue, Sanders started this year’s Dakar in fine form to lead throughout the early moments and top the third stage, before battling through sickness from stage five. The GasGas rider rebounded in the eighth stage, however, to finish second behind winner on the day Ross Branch (Hero Motosports Team Rally).

Notably, reigning Dakar champion Sam Sunderland (GasGas Factory Racing) crashed out in the opening stage with a broken shoulder, prematurely ending his title defence. 2020 champion Ricky Brabec (Monster Energy Honda) was also forced to withdraw from the event after a crash in the third stage with neck pain.

Following a rest day, the 2023 Dakar Rally resumes on Tuesday with stage nine – a 686-kilometre leg that features a timed special of 358 kilometres.

Detailed results