Edgar Canet's Remarkable Triumph in Morocco
The 2026 Rallye Du Maroc witnessed an exhilarating showdown as Edgar Canet emerged victorious, marking his first win in the RallyGP series. The rally, which took place after a summer hiatus in the racing calendar, attracted top competitors, including Daniel Sanders, who was leading the championship, and Luciano Benavides, both of whom were eager to improve their standings.
Canet's journey in Morocco began on a high note, as he secured the second-fastest time in the prologue, showcasing his potential. Throughout the five stages of the rally, Canet displayed remarkable consistency, finishing each stage within the top four, ultimately leading him to the overall victory. This triumph elevates him to the fifth position in the championship standings, a significant achievement that speaks to his skill and dedication as a racer.
In his own words, Canet expressed his elation: "I am really happy. Right now, the emotions are overwhelming, and what we achieved doesn’t quite feel real yet. I believe I need some time to fully process everything, but I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished. This rally was a crazy race with many ups and downs, and navigation played a crucial role. Winning this rally feels incredible, and I’m hopeful it won’t be my last."
Sanders and Benavides Show Strong Performances
Meanwhile, Daniel Sanders, who had previously secured victories in Portugal and Argentina, was aiming for a third consecutive win to further solidify his lead in the championship. He started strong with a prologue victory and maintained a competitive edge by winning the second stage, marking his 35th stage win in his career. However, a minor navigational error cost him valuable time, resulting in a slip to third place overall after the third stage. Despite this setback, Sanders regained control and took the lead again with a stage win on day four, but ultimately finished in second place after a fifth-place showing in the final stage. This result allowed him to extend his championship lead to 13 points over his teammate Benavides.
Sanders reflected on the rally, stating, "I’m glad to have finished and to still be in the running for the championship, but personally, it was a frustrating rally. I felt we had a great pace, but some mistakes and unfortunate situations held us back. Nonetheless, it was a fantastic result for the team, and I can leave with my head held high."
Luciano Benavides also demonstrated impressive speed throughout the rally, narrowly missing out on a podium finish. The 2026 Dakar Rally winner initially placed fourth in the first two stages before winning the third stage, propelling him to second in the overall rankings. However, a navigational error in the penultimate stage dropped him to third overall, ultimately finishing the rally in fourth place. Despite this, the points earned allowed him to move up to second in the championship standings.
Benavides expressed his satisfaction with the results, noting, "I am happy to finish fourth overall and second in the final stage. This race was different from what we usually experience, but I’m thrilled to have completed it safely. Edgar achieved his first victory, Daniel finished second, and I’m now second in the championship. It’s a great outcome for everyone involved."
Team manager Andreas Hölzl commended Canet's performance, highlighting the consistency he showed throughout the week and the strength of the entire team. With three different winners in the season so far, Hölzl expressed optimism for the upcoming races, stating, "We are in a good position and well-prepared for the final race. Whatever challenges come our way, we will face them with the same passion as always."
In conclusion, the 2026 Rallye Du Maroc was a thrilling event that showcased the talents of racers like Edgar Canet, Daniel Sanders, and Luciano Benavides, all of whom are now well-positioned for the remaining races in the championship.
As reported by motorradreporter.com.
