Image: Supplied.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Sam Sunderland has charged to victory at the Silk Way Rally, which marked round two of the 2019 FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship.

With three stage victories, Sunderland’s dominant performance granted the British ace his second consecutive victory in this year’s world championship, allowing him to extend his points lead with two rounds to go.

“It’s really cool to take the win here in China,” said Sunderland. “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. 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.”

Former motocross and supercross star Andrew Short (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing) finished with runner-up honours, as Adrien van Beveren (Yamalube Yamaha Rally Team) locked out the top three.