Image: Supplied.

Australian Rodney Faggotter is targeting a top 10 finish in the 2019 Dakar Rally, which set to take place from 6-17 January, boasting 5541 kilometres of riding.

The Yamalube Yamaha Rider wound up an impressive 16th at this year’s instalment, and with a week of testing now completed in Morocco, Faggotter believes his morale has been boosted heading into the prestigious off-road event.

“I’m looking forward to the 2019 Dakar,” said Faggotter. “I’ve been racing some Bajas and training hard back home in Australia these last few months. I feel strong physically and also mentally. In the beginning of December we’ve spent a full week testing and training with the team in Morocco and that was a good morale booster for me.

“We have a great spirit within the team and I want to be there for my teammates if they need me. I want to have a good clean run and do my own race. This Dakar might seem shorter, but we all know it’s still going to be a long and demanding race. If it all goes well, I’m confident I can improve my overall result from last year and fight for a spot inside the top 10.”

The Queenslander’s role within the factory Yamaha squad extends beyond being a rider, with his mechanical experience coming into play should a teammate require assistance throughout the almost two-week long affair.