Red Bull KTM Factory Racing are pleased to announce that Luciano Benavides has signed a new multi-year contract extension with the team, reaffirming the Argentinian’s long-term commitment to KTM ahead of round three of the 2026 FIM World Rally-Raid Championship in Argentina.

Since joining Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, Benavides has established himself as one of the leading riders in rally-raid competition, consistently delivering strong performances at the very highest level of the sport. Most notably, Luciano secured a landmark victory for both himself and the team earlier this year by winning the 2026 Dakar Rally after an incredible battle that went down to the final stage, ultimately claiming victory by just two seconds. The triumph marked another career-defining achievement for the Argentinian, adding to his 2023 FIM World Rally-Raid Championship title and further highlighting his speed, determination, and ability to perform under pressure in the toughest conditions.

Alongside his Dakar success, Benavides has made a commanding start to the 2026 FIM World Rally-Raid Championship season, leading the overall championship standings after two rounds while continuing to play a key role in Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s success at the front of the field.

The contract extension ensures that Luciano will continue competing aboard the KTM 450 RALLY as part of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s line-up as the team looks to build on its recent successes in rally-raid competition. The 2026 FIM World Rally-Raid Championship resumes this week with round three, the Desafio Ruta 40 in Argentina on May 24-29, where Benavides will race on home soil.

Luciano Benavides: “I’m super happy to continue with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and keep this journey going together. KTM believed in me from the very beginning of my rally career, back when I was still very young and had very little experience in the discipline. They trusted me, gave me the opportunity, and supported me every step of the way, always providing the best people, the best bike, and all the tools to keep improving and fighting at the front. I have achieved the World Rally-Raid title and now, finally, the biggest goal of all with the Dakar victory earlier this year. To be able to give that back to the team and all the people who believed in me from the start means a lot. Winning Dakar has changed something in me because it was a dream I had for so many years, but now the motivation is even bigger to keep winning and achieve more together. What I really value is the passion inside this team and the constant drive to keep developing, improving, and pushing forward. That gives me a lot of confidence and motivation to work even harder. KTM feels like a second family to me and I’m excited for what we can achieve together in the future.”

Andreas Hölzl – Rally Team Manager: “We’re really happy to continue with Luciano and extend our partnership with this new multi-year agreement. To have the current Dakar champion in the team, as well as a former World Rally-Raid Champion, is incredibly important and shows the strength of our rally program. Luciano brings a huge amount of experience, but also an incredible mentality. He’s a true professional, mentally very strong, and always works hard to improve. He’s become a key part of the team and we’re excited to continue this journey together over the coming years. Now our focus turns to Desafio Ruta 40, Luciano’s home race, and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do there.”