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The countdown is on for the “world’s toughest motor race”, and last year’s Dakar Rally champion, Australian Daniel Sanders, is returning to defend his title in the bikes.
“We’re gonna go, try and go back-to-back,” the 31-year-old motorcyclist told SBS French.
“We’ve had a really great ’25 year … winning four out of five races, and winning the Dakar, then the world championships. So, pretty proud and, you know, almost a perfect season.”
The Red Bull KTM Racing Factory rider has had an exceptional year, setting records and clinching the World Rally-Raid Championship title in September following an impressive series of victories on the global stage.
Now, he’s hoping to continue his dominance as he heads back to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Dakkar Rally.
The Dakar rally, an annual rally raid, is famous for its rough terrain and off-road endurance, with competitors in various categories including cars, bikes, trucks and quads racing across sand, rocks, gravel and tarmac.
Competitors in this demanding event face a daunting challenge, as they must skillfully maneuver through unpredictable obstacles over nearly 8,000 kilometers. The race is divided into 13 stages, with a single rest day providing some relief during this rigorous journey.
One year, the unforgiving desert competition saw Sanders cop four stitches to his lip from a crash as he powered over a dune. On another occasion, a bee slipped under his helmet and stung him on the lip.
Over 600 drivers and teams will take part in the 2026 race, including Australians Toby Price and David Brock.
For those following the Dakar Rally, SBS On Demand will offer one-hour highlight reels of each stage available early every morning. Meanwhile, SBS will broadcast a replay of the program at 5 p.m. (AEDT).
On Demand will also house a special Dakar Rally hub for the 2026 edition, complete with extended highlights, must-see moments, interviews and more.
The competition begins with a prologue on Sunday, with Stage 1 kicking off on Monday.
Watch daily extended highlights from the 2026 edition of the Dakar Rally each morning via our hub in SBS On Demand — plus a daily 15-minute mini recap and more from January 4-18 (AEDT).
