Price primed to chase more Dakar glory
All eyes will be on Australian hero Toby Price as he embarks on victory in his 10th Dakar Rally tonight.
The 46th Dakar Rally begins today with the 27km Prologue prior to the 414km opening stage on Saturday, January 6 from Alula to Al Henakiyah.
Price missed out on victory last year by just 43s despite entering the final day with a 12s advantage only to miss a couple of waypoints in the defining final stage.
It was the tightest ever finish in the Bikes category and although teammate Kevin Benavides still gave KTM the honour, redemption is burning inside of the 36-year-old from Hilton.
Toby Price battles through the rocks in Stage 2 at Dakar last year. Image: Marcelo Maragni / Red Bull Content Pool
Price is taking on the demanding Dakar Rally for a 10th time and has one goal – score a third triumph.
The Aussie rode his way into the history books by winning the iconic rally in 2016 and 2019.
In addition to those famous rides, 2023 was one of four other top three finishes.
Both of his victories came when the rally was held in South America, so he is desperate to get a win in Saudi Arabia.
“The 2024 Dakar will be my 10th overall and my ninth riding for the KTM factory team,” he said.
“Out of the nine we’ve done together, I’ve managed to podium in six, which is incredible when you think about how tough the race is and how hard it is to even reach the finish.
Price heading across the high altitude plateau after navigating the Stage 4 sand dunes at the 2023 Dakar Rally. Image: Red Bull Content Pool
“I’ve had two first-place finishes, a second, and finished third three times – to clinch another win on my 10th attempt would be amazing.”
Since last year’s Dakar, Price completed the remainder of the World Rally-Raid Championship and finished a close second to Luciano Benavides.
But the Aussie finished with a statement by winning the Rallye du Maroc, while he also did some work on four wheels including the Baja and Finke events.
However, Dakar just hits different being the holy grail and Price loves the environment in the Saudi sands despite the 8000km torture test that lies ahead.
“Dakar is like no other race. For sure, the riding is hard work, fun, and exhausting, but I love the way everyone comes together to complete the race,” he said.
“Dakar is like my second family, so it’s always good to see everyone, get ready for the race, and get my competitive side back going again.
Toby Price celebrating his second Dakar win with Matthias Walkner – Photo: Red Bull
“I’m in a good place physically, and the bike is good – we’re definitely ready to race Dakar 2024.”
This strong relationship with the race also extends to his partnership with KTM.
Price has never taken on Dakar without the Austrian manufacturer’s factory support and the pair recently announced a contract extension.
He said delivering for a team that has given him so much is another major motivator ahead of the big race.
“I’m definitely excited to race another Dakar with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing,” he said.
“I’ve been racing for KTM for 15 years now and for the factory since 2015, so it feels great to be able to race the biggest, toughest rally for them once again.”
The 2024 Dakar Rally will be broadcast by SBS with highlights each morning.
Image by Flavien Duhamel / Red Bull Content Pool
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