Red Bull KTM’s Sam Sunderland crowned champion of Silk Way Rally

Sam Sunderland has proven his skills stage after stage to finally clinch the ultimate title of the 2019 Silk Way Rally.

After the frequent triumphant updates of the 2019 Silk Way Rally and Red Bull KTM’s Sam Sunderland, there is no doubt that the Briton has indeed won the rally. Sam Sunderland is now the official champion of round two of the 2019 FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship. Teammate Luciano Benavides secured fifth place overall to top the Junior class. Laia Sanz, on the other hand, was named the victor of the Women’s category after coming in seventh overall.

Red Bull KTM will be taking on the round three of the FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship in Atacama Rally, Chile from September 1 to 7.

Sam Sunderland (Red Bull KTM)- As It Happened

“It’s really cool to take the win here in China. I’m really happy with the job done by myself and the team. It wouldn’t have been possible without this big effort from everyone to come to Russia, Mongolia and now China. It’s been a huge adventure and one that we’ll all remember for a long time, that’s for sure. For me I’m so happy to get the win, it makes it two-out-of-two this championship and it’s a really important one because of the points earned this round,” says Sunderland as quoted from KTM Factory Racing.

“I felt really good at the beginning of the event and was able to create a good gap. I felt a bit sick during the middle stages but was able to manage the race and stay on a good pace right to the end. I’m really pleased for Andrew, who has ridden a great race, and also Luciano and Laia. Now I’m looking forward to a bit of rest.”

Luciano Benavides (Red Bull KTM)- As It Happened

“For me, it has been a really good rally – I finished fifth overall and won the Junior category. It’s been a tough rally, but I have certainly learned a lot. I made a few mistakes in the last few days that ended up costing me some time, but I know what I did wrong and I need to go away now and work on those areas. Overall, I am happy with how I rode and the bike has been perfect. My confidence is growing all the time and each rally we do I learn a little bit more and gain a lot of experience. Finally, I want to thank the team – to be in this KTM family is an amazing feeling and everyone did a great job.”

Laia Sanz (Red Bull KTM)- As It Happened

“I took it easy today as I wanted to stay safe and keep my position in the standings. Overall, it has been a good rally for me. These last days have been tough and certainly very tiring as well as being technical. I’m happy to be at the end safely and I’m very happy with my result. The organisation of the rally has been really good and I’m so happy that I came. I had some really good days in Mongolia but here in China I struggled a bit more. Now, after some rest, I will continue to train and focus as always on the Dakar Rally next year.”