Australian rally talent Daniel Sanders is out of the 2022 Dakar Rally following a crash in stage seven that resulted in a fractured left elbow and wrist.

The GasGas Factory Racing rider fell during the opening liaison and remains in hospital while undergoing medical checks ahead of expected surgery.

With two stage wins to his name at this year’s event, Dakar 2022 was shaping up to be a successful rally for Sanders, lying third in the provisional standings at the time of the incident.

Jose Ignacio Cornejo (Monster Energy Honda Team) ultimately won stage seven ahead of Kevin Benavides (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Joan Barreda (Monster Energy Honda Team), as Adrien Van Beveren (Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Team) leads the rally from Red Bull KTM Factory Racing duo Matthias Walkner and Kevin Benavides.

Toby Price (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team) finished the stage in P9, now 11th in the overall classification as Andrew Houlihan withdrew from the event due to fractured ribs sustained before the rest day.

Just five stages remain in the 2022 Dakar Rally, the upcoming stage eight taking place from Al Dawadimi to Wadi Ad Dawasir.