Edgar Canet Clinches First RallyGP Victory in Morocco
Edgar Canet, representing the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team, has made headlines by winning the Rallye du Maroc, which is the fourth round of the FIM Rally-Raid World Championship 2026. The Spanish rider, who was a strong contender for the overall victory from day one, navigated the challenging terrain aboard his KTM 450 RALLY with precision and skill, ultimately securing his first RallyGP win ahead of his teammate and championship leader, Daniel Sanders. Luciano Benavides also showcased remarkable performance, finishing fourth overall.
Following the summer break, the team arrived in Morocco for this pivotal round of the rally season, with Sanders looking to defend his championship lead while both Benavides and Canet aimed to climb the standings from their respective third and seventh positions. Canet, motivated after a mixed performance earlier in the season, began the week strong, recording the second-fastest time in the prologue. His consistency shone throughout all five stages, as he never finished outside the top four, culminating in a well-deserved overall victory. This win not only marks a significant achievement for Canet but also elevates him to fifth place in the championship standings.
Rally Insights and Team Dynamics
Expressing his elation, Edgar Canet stated, "I am overjoyed. It’s a whirlwind of emotions, and what we’ve accomplished feels somewhat surreal. I will need some time to process everything, but I am just incredibly happy. We have shown everyone what we are capable of and where we belong, and I am truly proud of that. Winning this rally is an incredible feeling, and I am very satisfied with what I've achieved. Hopefully, this isn’t my last victory." The competition was fierce, especially as Sanders had previously won the two rounds in Portugal and Argentina, entering the Rallye du Maroc with a three-point championship lead. Aiming to extend this lead and secure his third consecutive win, Sanders kicked off the week with a prologue victory. He maintained a strong position with a second-place finish on the opening stage and captured the second stage, marking his 35th stage win overall.
However, a minor navigational error during the third stage cost him dearly, resulting in a seventh-place finish and dropping him to third in the overall standings. Despite regaining the lead on the fourth day with another stage victory, a fifth-place finish on the final stage pushed Sanders back to second in the overall classification. Nonetheless, he increased his championship lead to 13 points over his teammate Benavides.
Sanders shared his reflections, stating, "I’m glad to have finished and to maintain a good position in the championship, but personally, it was a frustrating rally. I knew it would be tight today and gave it my all, but unfortunately, it wasn’t enough in the end. I made some mistakes throughout the week, and there were situations that didn’t go as we had hoped. It’s disappointing because I felt we were riding well. On the positive side, it’s a fantastic result for the team. Edgar secured his first RallyGP win, Luciano finished fourth, and we maintained a high pace throughout the rally. The team performed excellently all week, and I did my best every day, so I can leave with my head held high. Most importantly, we continue to lead the championship and go into the final round in a strong position."
Benavides also demonstrated impressive speed in Morocco, narrowly missing out on a complete podium sweep for Red Bull KTM in the overall standings. The 2026 Dakar Rally winner placed fourth on the first two stages before claiming victory in the third stage, temporarily moving him to second place in the overall ranking. However, a navigational mistake on the penultimate stage saw him drop to seventh. Although he finished second on the final stage, it wasn’t enough to secure a podium alongside his teammates, leaving him in fourth overall. Nevertheless, the points earned propelled him to second in the championship standings.
Luciano Benavides expressed his satisfaction, stating, "I’m happy to finish the Rallye du Maroc in fourth overall and second in the last stage. It was a different kind of race than usual, but I’m glad to have reached the finish in good health and am thrilled for the team. Edgar achieved his first victory, Daniel finished second and continues to lead the championship, and I am now also second in the standings. A great result for all! We also made some significant improvements to the motorcycle, and I feel fantastic. Now we prepare for Abu Dhabi and the final race of the year. I feel strong and look forward to the next Dakar with great optimism. A big thank you to the entire team and everyone who supports us."
Andreas Hölzl, the rally team manager, commented, "I am incredibly happy for Edgar. He showed great consistency throughout the week, and I am immensely proud that at just 21 years old, he has proven his capabilities. He had everything it takes to secure his first RallyGP victory, and this week he truly gave it his all. This also reflects the strength of the entire team. We have already had three different winners this season: Luciano won the Dakar, Daniel took victories in Portugal and Argentina, and now Edgar here in Morocco. We have a really strong lineup of riders, a fantastic motorcycle, and the entire team is doing an outstanding job. All the hard work is paying off. I am also very satisfied with Daniel and Luciano’s performances. Daniel finished second and continues to lead the championship, while Luciano’s fourth place elevates him to second in the standings. It was a tough rally under challenging conditions, but we are in a very good position and well-prepared for the finale. Whatever comes our way, we will tackle it with the same passion as always.
As reported by enduro-austria.at.
