Al-Amn Magazine

seeking his first overall win; Australian Daniel Sanders, also on KTM, known for his aggressive style; and Spain’s Tosha Schareina, a rising star with Honda. Other notables were Skyler Howes (USA, KTM), who claimed his first stage win in Stage 11, and Edgar Canet (Spain, KTM), who secured the final stage victory The car category saw 108 entries, with a fierce rivalry among manufacturers like Dacia, Ford, Toyota, and Century. Qatar’s Nasser Al-Attiyah, a five-time Dakar champion, switched to the Dacia Sandrider prototype, partnered with Belgian co-driver Fabian Lurquin. France’s Sebastien Loeb, a nine-time World Rally Champion, also drove for Dacia alongside Edouard Boulanger. Spain’s legendary Carlos Sainz Sr. competed for Ford with co- driver Timo Gottschalk, while Sweden’s Mattias Ekstrom and Spain’s Nani Roma bolstered Ford’s lineup. Toyota fielded talents like Australia’s Toby Price (a former bike winner transitioning to cars) and South Africa’s Saood Variawa. Emerging stars included Brazil’s Lucas Moraes (Dacia) and Spain’s Cristina Gutierrez, the latter making waves as one of the few female competitors in the top echelons. In trucks, 42 behemoths took the start, with Lithuania’s Vaidotas Zala emerging as a key contender in his IVECO. The quad category had 28 participants, while SSVs and challengers drew crowds with lighter, agile vehicles. The classics category, reserved for pre-2000 vehicles, featured 72 entries, celebrating the rally’s heritage. Overall, the field was diverse, with representatives from over 70 nationalities, including strong contingents from Europe, South America, and the Middle East. Safety measures were heightened following past incidents, with advanced GPS tracking and medical support ensuring fewer abandonments than in previous years. The car class delivered its own thrills, with Dacia’s Sandriders team securing a maiden victory. Nasser Al- Attiyah dominated, winning multiple stages and finishing in 48h 56m 53s for his sixth Dakar title, tying him with legends like Ari Vatanen. His consistent pace edged out Ford’s Nani Roma by 9m 42s and Mattias Ekstrom by 14m 33s. Sebastien Loeb, despite early mechanical woes, claimed fourth at +15m 10s, while Carlos Sainz Sr. finished fifth at +28m 30s. Dacia’s success highlighted innovative engineering, with the Sandrider’s turbocharged V6 engine proving reliable in the harsh conditions. Other highlights included Mathieu Serradori’s sixth place in the Century buggy and Lucas Moraes’ seventh for Dacia. In other categories, Lithuania’s Vaidotas Zala triumphed in trucks with a time of 56h 58’ 38’’, showcasing strategic driving. Spain’s Pau Navarro won the challenger class in 54h 56’ 21’’, while American Brock Heger and co- driver Max Eddy took SSV honors in 55h 11’ 56’’. The stock category went to Lithuania’s Rokas Baciuska and Spain’s Oriol Vidal, and Lithuania’s Karolis Raišys dominated the classics with consistent runs. Quads saw strong showings, though specific winners weren’t as prominently highlighted in reports. Notable incidents added to the rally’s lore. Beyond Brabec’s fateful error, Daniel Sanders’ crash in Stage 10 shifted the bike standings dramatically. In cars, early retirements plagued some favorites, like Toyota’s Seth Quintero, who finished ninth despite setbacks. Environmental challenges, including sandstorms in Stage 8, led to time bonuses and reshuffles. The event also emphasized sustainability, with initiatives like reduced fuel consumption and eco-friendly camps. The 2026 Dakar Rally will be remembered for its heart- stopping finishes and breakthroughs. Luciano Benavides’ tenacity and Nasser Al-Attiyah’s mastery underscored the spirit of perseverance. As the dust settles in Yanbu, eyes turn to 2027, promising more epic battles in the desert. The rally not only crowns champions but inspires adventurers worldwide, proving that in the face of adversity, victory is forged through grit and strategy.