Image: Supplied.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing has named Australia’s Daniel Sanders in its new-look rally team roster, unveiled alongside Luciano Benavides and Kevin Benavides ahead of the 2024 Rallye du Maroc that begins in Morocco next week.

Following a stint at GasGas Factory Racing, Sanders will effectively take the place of countryman Toby Price onboard one of the works KTM 450 Rally entries.

Sanders, 30, had previously finished fourth on debut at Dakar in 2021 riding a satellite KTM prior to transferring to GasGas, but has largely been impacted by injuries since – claiming P8 in the 2024 edition despite limited preparation due to a broken femur.

“It’s been a long break since Argentina and we are super-motivated to race the Rallye du Maroc,” Sanders commented. “It’s been three years since the last time I raced the [Rallye du Maroc], and I managed to get on the podium then, so I’m hoping to do the same again this year.

“It’s really exciting to be back in the KTM colours and I want to do their hard work justice. It’s great working with the Benavides brothers and I’m sure we’ll be a close-knit team. This rally always serves as great preparation for Dakar as the terrain is so similar – I’m really excited to get back out there and hopefully bring home a trophy!”

Reigning world champion Luciano Benavides arrives at KTM from Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, while elder brother Kevin is a two-time Dakar Rally winner in 2021 and 2023, but is currently sidelined with a wrist fracture sustained while training in the US this month.

The 2024 Rallye du Maroc – which Sanders finished third in three years ago – takes off with the prologue on Sunday, October 6, followed by five stages of action-packed racing before the finish in Mengoub on October 11. It doubles as round five of the World Rally-Raid Championship.