Luciano Benavides Claims A Dramatic Dakar Rally Finish

After two relentless weeks of dust, danger and desert drama, the 2026 Dakar Rally delivered a finish for the ages. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider Luciano Benavides claimed overall victory by just two seconds — the closest margin in the Dakar’s 48-year history — after more than 49 hours of flat-out racing across Saudi Arabia’s unforgiving rocks and dunes.

Starting the final 105km loop around the Yanbu bivouac 3 minutes and 20 seconds behind Honda’s Ricky Brabec, Benavides appeared to be fighting the impossible. But this is the Dakar, where nothing is decided until the final kilometre. With just seven kilometres remaining, Brabec made a costly navigation error — and Benavides seized the moment. When the dust settled, the KTM rider had etched his name into Dakar folklore.

The victory was made even more extraordinary by the fact Benavides had suffered knee and shoulder injuries just three months earlier, putting his participation in serious doubt. Waiting at the finish line was his brother Kevin, himself a two-time Dakar bike winner, making it a historic family moment.

“I never stopped dreaming,” said Benavides. “To win by two seconds after two weeks and more than 8,000km is unreal. My brother won by 43 seconds in 2023 — now it’s two. It’s hard to believe.”

Bravery was a theme throughout the rally. Australian rider Daniel Sanders battled through collarbone and sternum injuries after a heavy crash on Stage 10, completing the final stages in obvious pain to secure a Top 5 overall finish. Team-mate Edgar Canet also finished strong, taking victory on Stage 13 to cap an impressive rally for KTM.

In the Ultimate class, Nasser Al-Attiyah once again proved why he’s a desert legend. The Qatari driver claimed his sixth Dakar victory — and Dacia’s first — after pulling clear in the second week alongside co-driver Fabian Lurquin. Close behind was Ford’s Nani Roma, who finished second after a late mechanical setback dashed his final challenge.

The rally also delivered powerful human stories beyond the podium. Four-time champion co-driver Mathieu Baumel made an inspirational return less than a year after losing his right leg in a road accident, reaching the finish line with Guillaume De Mévius. Meanwhile, Defender Rally Team made a stunning Dakar debut in the Stock category, with Rokas Baciuška taking victory after eight stage wins.

From heartbreak to heroics, the 2026 Dakar Rally finish reminded the world why it remains motorsport’s ultimate test. Two seconds decided it — but every kilometre mattered.