Did you really think KTM was going to let Daniel Sanders walk?

Sanders has signed a multi-year contract extension with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, which the team announced on Sunday. He currently leads the World Rally-Raid Championship in RallyGP with back-to-back wins at the BP Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal and Desafío Ruta 40.

“Of course, we’re really happy to continue with Daniel for the years ahead. Having the current FIM World Rally-Raid Championship leader in the team is hugely important for us, not only because of his results, but also because of the role he plays within the wider program,” team boss Andreas Hölzl stated. “Daniel has become a key part of the team, contributing both at races and through the development of the KTM 450 Rally. He continues to prove what he is capable of with every race, consistently delivering at the highest level and always looking for ways to improve.

“His speed, determination, and commitment make him a valuable asset to the team, and we’re excited to keep building on our success together and pushing for even more victories in the future.”

While 2026 is officially his third year with KTM, he has been in the family since 2022 (his Dakar debut in 2021 was as a privateer). From 2022 to 2024, Sanders competed for GasGas until parent company Pierer Mobility consolidated its rally teams into KTM. The move also brought Luciano Benavides in as his proper teammate as Husqvarna was absorbed into the orange.

The move has paid off tremendously for Sanders. He won in his KTM debut at the 2024 Rallye du Maroc, then dominated the 2025 W2RC with victories in every race (Dakar, Abu Dhabi, South Africa, Portugal) but the finale to comfortably secure the title. He also holds a RallyGP-leading 32 stage wins.

“I’m really excited to continue with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and extend my time with the rally team,” Sanders commented. “We’ve come a long way together over the last few years, and it feels like we’ve built something really special as a team. Everyone is constantly pushing to improve, and that drive to keep getting better is one of the things I enjoy most about being part of this group.

“The success we’ve achieved together so far has been incredible, and it gives me a lot of confidence and motivation for what’s still to come. We share the same goals to keep winning races, challenge for more Dakar victories, and fight for World Rally-Raid Championship titles. Racing for KTM has been a dream of mine since I was a kid, so to continue representing this brand means a lot to me. I’m looking forward to the next chapter and hopefully many more successful years together.”

Benavides got an extension of his own in May prior to the DR 40.

Featured image credit: Kin Marcin / Red Bull Content Pool