For the first time ever, it won’t be the winner of the previous edition who competes at the Dakar with the number 1 plate but the current Rally Raid World Champion. In the upcoming Dakar 2024 (which will start on 5 January in Saudi Arabia), this will be Luciano Benavides, official Husqvarna rider, who will attempt to defend the W2RC title in what is set to be not only the toughest Raid ever, but also the first round of the World Rally Raid Championship season.

The Argentinian will tackle the Dakar for the seventh time and, despite having never won, can be considered a specialist of the world’s most famous off-road marathon in view of his very consistent results. Having now won the 2023 world title, his number one goal is to triumph in the most important race of them all, the route of which looks to marry with his strengths this year, as he goes head to head with brother Kevin, who has already won the Dakar twice and will be the rider to beat.

Benavides: “I know I can make the difference in the dunes”

Speaking about the imminent Dakar 2024, Luciano explains that he’s ready to defend the number 1 plate: “It will be exciting, because it’s the first time the #1 is not being used by last year’s winner but by the current world champion. My brother Keven has already won twice, including last year, and will try to do so again, but I think it’s my time now”.

“My approach to the race will be the same as ever, but there’ll be a lot of dunes this year, a strength of mine, so I know I can make the difference there”, continues the 28-year old. “Husqvarna is a winning bike and has many factors that make it so, from the engine to the frame and suspension. We have all we need to compete with our rivals and I’m more than ready and believe we can do it”.

“I realised I could win the world title in Argentina”

As for 2023, which saw him bring home the world title, Luciano Benavides touches on the highlights: “I realized I could win the title at my home round in Argentina, the Desafio Ruta 40. I was nervous knowing that Kevin was injured and that I was the only one who could do well for our country. I raced with my head, also winning a stage, while in Morocco I gave it my all, and managed to win. It was a very special, emotional moment, but now my focus is on the Dakar”.