Image: Supplied.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Toby Price claimed fourth overall in his comeback to the 2019 FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship at the Atacama Rally, although he admits his wrist still needs work after being sidelined since his Dakar Rally victory in January.

The 2018 rally world champion, who rode to victory in this year’s Dakar with a broken wrist, made his return to competition last week in Chile, remaining consistent throughout all five stages to finish three minutes shy of the podium.

“Stage five has gone well, it was only about 180 kilometres, so not too long,” said Price. “Sam caught me up and we led the entire stage from start to finish. It’s always tough to lead out especially through the sand dunes but I think we did a good job.

“Overall, I’m really happy, it’s been a good rally and a good one to come back to. I know I still need to do a little work on my wrist – it’s not quite right yet, but the plan is to be in slightly better shape for Morocco and then training in Spain before we gear up for the Dakar in Saudi Arabia next year.”

The FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship now heads to Morocco on 3-9 October for the Rally du Maroc, marking the final stop of the four-round series.