Rounding out the podium at Sonora was Husqvarna rider Luciano Benavides , with the podium finish elevating the Argentinian to second in the championship standings , where he trails the leader , Toby Price , by just seven points . “ The last stage has gone really well for me , it was another battle with Toby , right to the end ”, said Benavides . “ I knew I would have to push all day , so I gave 100 percent and thankfully it all paid off and I ’ ve finished on the podium . Toby made a small mistake there at the end , which was tough , but it worked out for me and means I get some really important points for the championship , where I think I ’ ve moved up to second now . We have a break of a few months before the next round , which will be my home race . The team won ’ t stop working so hopefully we can improve things even more and carry this momentum into Argentina in August .” Championship leader , Price , was disappointed to not make the podium after narrowly missing out to Benavides , but was pleased to remain in the championship lead . “ I ’ m obviously really disappointed ”, he said . “ I made a stupid little mistake right at the end there . I didn ’ t quite get the right road , so I had to cut across and then come back , and then when I was back on the road I turned left instead of right . A silly mistake , but it ended up costing me the podium . That ’ s racing unfortunately – the championship still looks good , but I ’ m gutted to have missed out here in Mexico , right at the very last stage .” The FIM World Rally Raid Championship now takes a four month break before the Desafio Ruta 40 kicks off in Argentina on August 26 .
Provisional Standings – Sonora Rally 2023 1 . Daniel Sanders ( GASGAS ) 11:01:09 2 . Tosha Schareina ( Honda ) 11:09:32 3 . Luciano Benavides ( Husqvarna ) 11:18:25
Provisional Standings 2023 FIM World Rally- Raid Championship ( after 3 of 5 rounds ) 1 . Toby Price ( AUS ), KTM , 62 points 2 . Luciano Benavides ( ARG ), Husqvarna , 55 3 . Adrien Van Beveren ( FRA ), Honda , 53 4 . Kevin Benavides ( ARG ), KTM , 43 5 . Daniel Sanders ( AUS ), GASGAS , 39
KIWI RIDER 15