“If you’d told me six weeks ago I’d be here fighting for the podium I would have laughed at you,” Price, the 2016 champion, said after winning stage 13.

“I’m really happy with how things have gone so far and I’ll see what I can do tomorrow.”

After the win Price goes into the final stage just over five minutes behind second-placed Kevin Benavides but seemingly out of touch of race leader Matthias Walkner who is almost 28 minutes ahead of the Australian.

However, given Price was off his bike for almost a year after the 2017 crash finishing the world’s most gruelling motor race let alone being in podium contention is incredible.

Price’s chances of reeling in Walkner’s lead were severely dented when stage 12 was cancelled because the course was too wet, but he took on stage 13 with typical guts and determination.

Price wins stage 11 of Dakar

Price closes gap on Dakar leaders

The longest stage of the rally at 483km, it included a two-part 424km timed special.

“That was a great stage, I was leading from the front and it was really good fun,” Price said. 

“The tracks were fast, and rough in places so I pushed on as much as I could in those sections.

“Navigation wasn’t too difficult today, I made a couple of mistakes along the way but nothing huge.

“There were a lot of speed zones so you had to be careful not to overdo it there, but I did what I set out to do and won the stage.

“It would have been nice to take a little bit more time off Kevin (Benavides) in front, but there’s still one day left.”

If you’d told me six weeks ago I’d be here fighting for the podium I would have laughed at you. I’m really happy with how things have gone so far and I’ll see what I can do tomorrow.”

The final stage of the rally is 286km.