GASGAS Factory Racing just announced that Sam Sunderland will join the Team in 2022. The former Dakar Rally winner has dedicated much of his life to the sport of rallying, lifting the Dakar winner’s trophy in 2017. Since then, Sunderland has been crowned FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Champion in 2019 and continues to fight for that coveted second title at the Dakar. Sunderland was back to his best at the 2021 edition of the event where he remained in contention for victory until the very last day. With a focus on adding another Dakar win to his resume, the Brit has all the tools needed to get the job done.
Sam Sunderland: “It’s super exciting for me to be joining the GASGAS Factory Racing team. It’s a relatively new team but with strong foundations and a lot of expertise behind the program. For sure it’s a new challenge and a new opportunity for me and it gives me a lot of confidence being within similar surroundings, so I can focus on the job at hand. So far, everything has been really positive. I’ve been fortunate enough to have spent some time on the bike recently and I can’t wait to start racing. My goal is to win the Dakar again and claim the first win for GASGAS too, so I’m really motivated and excited for the future. It’s cool to be racing in new colors and I’m looking forward to coming out swinging at the Dakar on the red bike.”
Pit Beirer – GASGAS Motorsport Director: “It’s a huge moment for GASGAS to have both Sam and Daniel on the Rally team. What started off as a small project with Laia, and then with Daniel, has now become a much bigger effort. Signing a former Dakar winner in Sam, and having quite possibly the best young talent in rally at the moment in Daniel, really shows a clear statement that the brand is ready to compete for victories and grow its presence further in rally. It’s really exciting for GASGAS to have two great riders that are both capable of winning in 2022 and I wish them both the best of luck for the Dakar Rally and 2022 season.” (source: gasgas factory racing)
STORY: Sam Sunderland Takes Dakar Lead After Stage 2 (January 2022)
STORY: Daniel Sanders Tops The Timesheets On Dakar Rally Stage 1 (January 2022)
STORY: Marc Coma To Join KTM AG As Advisor For 2022 Dakar Rally (December 2021)
STORY: Husqvarna Factory Racing Set For Dakar Rally 2022 (December 2021)
STORY: Jorge Prado To Spearhead GasGas’ MXGP Class Assault (December 2021)
STORY: Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Ready For Dakar 2022 (November 2021)
STORY: Sam Sunderland & KTM WIN 2019 FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship (September 2019)
STORY: Daniel Sanders Wins Abu Dhabi Stage Three (November 2021)
photos (c) Naim Chidiac