Source: Supplied.

The 2018 Merzouga Rally was very much a testing ground for Australian Toby Price as he prepares for his assault at the 2019 Dakar Rally, claiming third in the final stage to be credited sixth overall.

The Red Bull KTM Factory rider said he was still disappointed in the officials’ decision to disregard the final waypoints of the penultimate stage, relegating the Australian to sixth, however he’s still content to undertake valuable testing and ultimately record more seat time after being sidelined for much of 2017 with injury.

“Today was a good stage with the mass-start,” said Price. “80 bikes taking off at the same time is a little bit chaotic and it took a few kilometres for it all to settle down. It was really good fun and I enjoyed the ride. I’m still a little upset about the outcome of yesterday’s stage and I don’t believe the final results tell the true story of the rally.

“Nevertheless, I am here in one piece and we were able to test a lot of things on the bike and get some good training for the Dakar at the beginning of next year. I’m looking forward to the next rally now in the middle of the year and then we have a few more to contest on the run up to the Dakar.”

Price’s next appearance with the KTM factory outfit is scheduled 11-19 August at the Atacama Rally in Chile.