The countdown is on for the "world's toughest motor race", and last year's Dakar Rally champion, Australian Daniel Sanders, is returning to defend his title in the bikes.
"We're gonna go, try and go back-to-back," the 31-year-old motorcyclist told SBS French.
"We've had a really great '25 year ... winning four out of five races, and winning the Dakar, then the world championships. So, pretty proud and, you know, almost a perfect season."
The Red Bull KTM Racing Factory rider's record-breaking year secured him the World Rally-Raid Championship title in September after a winning streak on the international circuit.
Now, he's hoping to continue his dominance as he heads back to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Dakar Rally.
The Dakar Rally, an annual rally raid, is famous for its rough terrain and off-road endurance, with competitors in various categories including cars, bikes, trucks and quads racing across sand, rocks, gravel and tarmac.
Drivers must navigate unpredictable obstacles at speed on a gruelling, days-long journey of almost 8,000km, broken into 13 stages and one rest day.
One year, the unforgiving desert competition resulted in Sanders getting four stitches to his lip from a crash as he powered over a dune. On another occasion, a bee slipped under his helmet and stung him on the lip.
Over 600 drivers and teams will take part in the 2026 race, including Australians Toby Price and David Brock.
SBS On Demand will have hour-long highlights of each stage available earlier each morning for the duration of the Dakar Rally, before SBS replay the program at 5pm (AEDT).
On Demand will also house a special Dakar Rally hub for the 2026 edition, complete with extended highlights, must-see moments, interviews and more.
The competition starts with a prologue on Sunday, with Stage 1 kicking off on Monday.
Watch daily extended highlights from the 2026 edition of the Dakar Rally each morning via our hub in SBS On Demand — plus a daily 15-minute mini recap and more from January 4-18 (AEDT).
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