KTM Rally Team Gears Up Strong for 2024 Rallye du Maroc
As the 2024 Rallye du Maroc approaches, the Red Bull KTM Rally Factory Racing team is poised to make a strong showing with a revamped line-up featuring Luciano Benavides and Daniel Sanders. Both riders are set to tackle one of the most demanding rally raids on the calendar, which runs from October 6 to 11, 2024. The Moroccan desert, stretching over 2,400 kilometres, promises a gruelling test of endurance, skill, and navigation, beginning in Zagora and culminating in Mengoub.
This year, the KTM Rally team faces a fresh challenge without two-time Dakar champion Kevin Benavides, who continues to recover from injury. Despite his non-participation, the KTM camp remains optimistic, buoyed by the presence of reigning 2023 FIM World Rally-Raid Champion Luciano Benavides and the return of the talented Daniel Sanders.
KTM Rally 2025 team
Benavides, who finished runner-up at last year’s Rallye du Maroc, has been relentless in his preparation, working through the summer to regain top form after an injury forced him to miss his home event, the Desafio Ruta 40. “I’ve spent months preparing for this KTM rally,” said Luciano Benavides. “Physically, I feel ready, and I’ve been focused on sharpening my navigation skills. Competing alongside my brother and with Daniel in the KTM colours feels special—together, we’re a formidable team.”
For Sanders, the 2024 Rallye du Maroc marks his return to KTM after a long break from racing. His previous podium finish at the event in 2021 sets the bar high, but the Australian rider is confident. “The Moroccan desert is always a tough place to race, but this KTM rally presents the perfect opportunity to see where I stand after months of testing,” said Sanders. “It’s exciting to be back with KTM, and I’m determined to make it count with a strong finish.”
The 2024 edition of the Rallye du Maroc is also pivotal for KTM’s Dakar preparation. Known for its challenging terrain and intricate navigation, the event mirrors many conditions riders will face at the Dakar Rally, making it a crucial stepping stone in the KTM rally calendar.
Despite Kevin Benavides’ absence, the KTM rally team is laser-focused on success. Benavides, still recovering from his crash earlier this year, prioritizes his health to return to competition for the 2025 Dakar Rally. “Although my recovery has been slow, I’m making steady progress,” Benavides said. “I aim to be 100% for Dakar. Until then, I’ll support the KTM rally team from the sidelines.”
Rally Team Manager Andreas Hölzl reflected on the challenges of the past year but expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness. “It’s been a demanding season, but the Rallye du Maroc is an integral part of our KTM rally program as we prepare for Dakar. We’re excited to see how Luciano and Daniel perform; they’ve both shown they’re ready for the challenge.”
The 2024 Rallye du Maroc begins with a prologue on October 6, followed by five days of intense competition. With the KTM rally team at full throttle, fans can expect an action-packed showcase of skill and resilience as the riders battle their way across the harsh Moroccan landscape.