Red Bull GasGas Factory rider Daniel Sanders has won the overall victory at the 2023 Sonora Rally. This is the first year the rally was part of the FIM Rally-Raid World Championship. Sanders won a total of three special stage victories during the rally.
Sanders had a seven-minute lead going into the final day of competition By the 35-kilometer mark, Sanders was out front doing what he does best, cruising to a victory. It’s great to get my first rally win. It feels like it’s been a long time coming – obviously after a year off it’s great to be back where I want to be. Dakar’s the big one but getting wins in the world championship is also super important. I’ve had some bad luck with speed penalties and things like that in some events, so to finally get a world championship win means a lot to me. Also, I feel like I’ve ridden well this event, leading out on several days, and generally having a good run through the event. Yeah, after a year out and then getting sick at Dakar, it’s all heading in the right direction. I’m improving still, and thanks to the team who always give me a great bike I feel like things are really coming together now,” said Sanders.
Also coming away with a Sonora Rally win was Nassar Al-Attiyah in the modified cross-country car class. Racing for Toyota Gazoo Racing, Al-Attiyah picked up two stage wins and was consistent on the podium through the rally. “Feeling good. I am happy to win the Sonora Rally. We have an amazing week and a good lead now. This was very important for the championship,” said Al-Attiyah.
In the T3 class, Mitch Guthrie Jr and co-driver Kellon Walch grabbed a narrow victory.
