LUCIANO BENAVIDES AND RED BULL KTM SIGN MULTI-YEAR CONTRACT EXTENSION

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing has secured the services of Argentine rider Luciano Benavides with a multi-year contract extension, reinforcing his long-term commitment to the team ahead of the 2026 FIM World Rally-Raid Championship’s third round in Argentina. Benavides has firmly established himself as a top competitor in rally-raid events since joining KTM, highlighted by his dramatic victory at the 2026 Dakar Rally. His win, achieved by a razor-thin margin of just two seconds, marked a significant milestone in his career and added to his 2023 World Rally-Raid Championship title, underscoring his resilience and skill in the sport’s most demanding conditions. Benavides has continued to impress in the current season, leading the championship standings after two rounds and playing a pivotal role in KTM’s ongoing success at the forefront of rally-raid racing. The contract extension will see him continue to compete on the KTM 450 RALLY, as the team aims to build on recent triumphs and maintain its dominant presence in the championship. The upcoming Desafio Ruta 40 event, held on home soil in Argentina, presents an important opportunity for Benavides to further consolidate his position and deliver a strong performance in front of a supportive crowd. Reflecting on the new deal, Benavides expressed deep gratitude towards KTM for their unwavering belief in him since the early stages of his career. He emphasised the importance of the team’s support, the quality of the machinery, and the shared passion that drives continuous development and improvement. His recent Dakar victory has not only fulfilled a long-held dream but also fuelled his motivation to achieve even greater success alongside KTM, which he describes as a second family. From the team’s perspective, Rally Team Manager Andreas Hölzl highlighted the significance of retaining the current Dakar champion and former World Rally-Raid titleholder. He praised Benavides’ professionalism, mental strength, and dedication to constant improvement, recognising him as a vital asset to the squad. With the focus now shifting to the Desafio Ruta 40, Hölzl expressed confidence in Benavides’ ability to perform strongly in his home race and looked forward to continuing their successful partnership in the years ahead.