Sanders, Lategan, Heger, Cavigliasso and Macek lead the way half-through
As the 2025 Dakar Rally reaches its midway point, the competition has been fierce, showcasing the resilience, skill, and determination of its participants. This year’s edition, set against the challenging Saudi Arabian terrain, has provided breathtaking action and dramatic twists across all categories. With five grueling stages completed, let’s delve into the overall classifications and preview what lies ahead in this iconic motorsport event.
Cars: The Battle Intensifies
The Cars category has been a thrilling showcase of strategy and endurance. Henk Lategan, alongside co-driver Brett Cummings, continues to lead the pack for Toyota Gazoo Racing. Their consistency has been unmatched, as they maintain a strong position despite fierce challenges from Yazeed Al-Rajhi in second place, representing Overdrive Racing.
Henk Lategan’s commanding presence has been a result of meticulous planning and flawless execution over the stages. Navigating the tricky dunes of the Empty Quarter with precision, his Toyota Gazoo Racing team has been a class act. On the other hand, Yazeed Al-Rajhi, racing on his home turf, has been utilizing his deep understanding of the terrain to push hard, narrowing the gap wherever possible.
Nasser Al-Attiyah’s title defense has taken a hit, with mechanical issues costing him valuable time. This year’s edition has been particularly challenging for Al-Attiyah as he faced repeated technical setbacks. Despite these challenges, his fighting spirit remains intact, and his performance in the coming stages will be pivotal to his comeback hopes.
Meanwhile, Mattias Ekström of Ford M-Sport holds steady in third, displaying exceptional navigation skills. Ekström’s adaptability across varying terrains has been noteworthy, as he continues to gain confidence with every stage. The Swedish driver’s calculated approach has earned him a well-deserved spot in the top three, and he remains a key contender for the overall title.
General Classification After Stage 5 – Cars
| Position | Driver | Team | Time | Variation | Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Henk Lategan / Brett Cummings | Toyota Gazoo Racing | 28H 10′ 11″ | — | 00H 04′ 00″ |
| 2 | Yazeed Al-Rajhi / Timo Gottschalk | Overdrive Racing | 28H 20′ 28″ | +00H 10′ 17″ | — |
| 3 | Mattias Ekström / Emil Bergkvist | Ford M-Sport | 28H 31′ 05″ | +00H 20′ 54″ | — |
| 4 | Nasser Al-Attiyah / Edouard Boulanger | The Dacia Sandriders | 28H 45′ 11″ | +00H 35′ 00″ | 00H 16′ 00″ |
| 5 | Lucas Moraes / Armand Monleon | Toyota Gazoo Racing | 28H 52′ 06″ | +00H 41′ 55″ | — |
Bikes: Sanders Sets the Pace
In the Bikes category, Australian Daniel Sanders of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing has established a commanding lead. His flawless navigation and consistent speed have been key to his success. Following closely behind is Tosha Schareina of Monster Energy Honda HRC, showcasing exceptional skill and determination.
Daniel Sanders’ dominance stems from his ability to handle both the mechanical demands of the bike and the physical toll of the rally. His aggressive approach on faster sections and a cautious strategy through technical terrain have kept him ahead. Sanders’ years of experience are evident in his calculated decision-making, which has allowed him to avoid costly penalties or errors so far.
Tosha Schareina’s second-place standing is a testament to his endurance and sharp navigation. The Spaniard’s ability to stay close to Sanders, particularly through the marathon stages, reflects his growing stature in the rallying community. Adrien Van Beveren of Monster Energy Honda HRC, currently in third, has also showcased remarkable consistency. His stage wins and resilience through the sandy terrain make him a strong contender as the competition heats up.
The fight for fourth and fifth positions has been equally thrilling, with Ross Branch and Skyler Howes showcasing their grit. Both riders have had their moments of brilliance, with Branch’s speed and Howes’ technical prowess keeping the competition alive.
General Classification After Stage 5 – Bikes
| Position | Rider | Team | Time | Variation | Penalty |
| 1 | Daniel Sanders | Red Bull KTM Factory Racing | 30H 12′ 15″ | — | — |
| 2 | Tosha Schareina | Monster Energy Honda HRC | 30H 27′ 17″ | +00H 15′ 02″ | — |
| 3 | Adrien Van Beveren | Monster Energy Honda HRC | 30H 36′ 46″ | +00H 24′ 31″ | 00H 02′ 00″ |
| 4 | Ross Branch | Hero MotoSports Team Rally | 30H 38′ 03″ | +00H 25′ 48″ | 00H 02′ 00″ |
| 5 | Skyler Howes | Monster Energy Honda HRC | 30H 40′ 14″ | +00H 27′ 59″ | — |
SSV: Heger Holds the Lead
Brock Heger and co-driver Max Eddy, representing Sebastien Loeb Racing – RZR Factory Racing, have dominated the SSV category with exceptional teamwork. Despite strong competition from Xavier de Soultrait and Alexandre Pinto, Heger maintains a comfortable lead heading into the second half.
The SSV category has witnessed intense rivalries, with Heger’s flawless coordination with Eddy setting them apart. Their ability to maintain high speeds while preserving the durability of their machine has been critical. Xavier de Soultrait’s chase has been commendable, as he remains in striking distance, waiting for the perfect opportunity to capitalize on any errors.
The battle for third and fourth places has been equally gripping, with Alexandre Pinto and Francisco Lopez Contardo pushing their limits. Pinto’s tactical approach through the dunes has been impressive, while Contardo’s experience has kept him resilient despite setbacks.
General Classification After Stage 5 – SSV
| Position | Driver | Team | Time | Variation | Penalty |
| 1 | Brock Heger / Max Eddy | Sebastien Loeb Racing | 31H 51′ 54″ | — | 00H 18′ 00″ |
| 2 | Xavier de Soultrait / Martin Bonnet | Sebastien Loeb Racing | 33H 09′ 24″ | +01H 17′ 30″ | 00H 03′ 00″ |
| 3 | Alexandre Pinto / Bernardo Oliveira | Old Friends Rally Team | 33H 26′ 14″ | +01H 34′ 20″ | 00H 00′ 10″ |
| 4 | Francisco Lopez Contardo / Juan Pablo Latrach | Can-Am Factory Team | 33H 50′ 53″ | +01H 58′ 59″ | 00H 16′ 20″ |
| 5 | Jerome de Sadeleer / Diego Ortega Gil | MMP | 35H 49′ 44″ | +03H 57′ 50″ | 00H 02′ 50″ |
Challengers: A Tight Race
Nicolas Cavigliasso and Valentina Pertegarini of Team BBR lead the Challengers (T3) category, with their meticulous strategy and endurance paying off. Close behind are Goncalo Guerreiro and Paul Spierings, making this category one to watch in the upcoming stages.
Cavigliasso’s ability to seamlessly adapt to the evolving conditions has been pivotal in maintaining his lead. The Argentinian driver’s partnership with Pertegarini has been characterized by clear communication and efficient navigation. Guerreiro’s aggressive driving style has kept the pressure on Cavigliasso, ensuring that every stage remains fiercely contested.
General Classification After Stage 5 – Challengers
| Position | Driver | Team | Time | Variation | Penalty |
| 1 | Nicolas Cavigliasso / Valentina Pertegarini | Team BBR | 30H 38′ 42″ | — | 00H 03′ 00″ |
| 2 | Goncalo Guerreiro / Cadu Sachs | Red Bull Off-Road Jr Team USA | 31H 07′ 16″ | +00H 28′ 34″ | 00H 01′ 00″ |
| 3 | Paul Spierings / Jan Pieter Van Der Stelt | Team Rebellion & Spierings | 31H 22′ 08″ | +00H 43′ 26″ | 00H 21′ 00″ |
| 4 | Dania Akeel / Stephane Duple | Team BBR | 32H 16′ 41″ | +01H 37′ 59″ | 00H 01′ 00″ |
| 5 | Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari / Nasser Al-Kuwari | Nasser Racing | 32H 40′ 17″ | +02H 01′ 35″ | 00H 30′ 00″ |
Trucks: Macik Leads with Precision
Martin Macik of MM Technology has set the pace in the Trucks category, demonstrating a perfect blend of speed and reliability. Mitchel van den Brink remains in pursuit, while Ales Loprais stays within striking distance.
Macik’s ability to navigate through the most treacherous sections with precision has been awe-inspiring. His team’s robust truck preparation has allowed them to maintain a significant lead. Van den Brink’s relentless pursuit reflects his determination to close the gap, while Loprais’ consistency ensures that he remains a threat.
General Classification After Stage 5 – Trucks
| Position | Driver | Team | Time | Variation | Penalty |
| 1 | Martin Macik | MM Technology | 31H 10′ 49″ | — | 00H 01′ 50″ |
| 2 | Mitchel van den Brink | Eurol Rally Sport | 33H 07′ 22″ | +01H 56′ 33″ | — |
| 3 | Ales Loprais | Instatrade Loprais Team | 33H 27′ 42″ | +02H 16′ 53″ | — |
| 4 | Martin Soltys | Tatra Buggyra ZM Racing | 34H 49′ 52″ | +03H 39′ 03″ | 00H 05′ 30″ |
| 5 | Martin van den Brink | Eurol Rally Sport | 35H 10′ 04″ | +03H 59′ 15″ | 00H 15′ 00″ |
Forecast for the Coming Stages
The second half of the Dakar Rally 2025 is poised to be even more challenging, with the upcoming stages demanding a perfect blend of endurance, navigation, and mechanical reliability. Let’s break down what’s ahead for the competitors:
Stage 6: The Empty Quarter Marathon
Stage 6 plunges competitors into the heart of the infamous Empty Quarter, a desolate stretch of massive dunes and endless horizons. This marathon stage is a true test of self-sufficiency, as competitors will have to complete the stage without external assistance. This section’s key challenge will be managing tire wear and conserving vehicle reliability while tackling the punishing sand.
Navigational errors are likely to play a significant role, as the lack of distinct landmarks can lead to costly mistakes. Teams will have to rely heavily on their navigators to maintain a steady pace while staying on course. For the leading contenders, this stage could solidify their dominance or lead to unforeseen setbacks.
Stage 7: Technical Terrains and Riverbeds
Stage 7 transitions from the sandy expanses to more technical terrains, featuring rocky paths and dry riverbeds. These conditions demand meticulous navigation and cautious driving, as one wrong move could lead to mechanical damage or time penalties. This stage is expected to favor the more agile and technically skilled drivers and riders.
In the Cars category, Henk Lategan and Yazeed Al-Rajhi will need to balance aggression with caution to maintain their positions. For the Bikes, Daniel Sanders will likely capitalize on his consistent pace, while competitors like Tosha Schareina and Adrien Van Beveren may use this stage to close the gap.
Stage 8: High-Speed Desert Tracks
Stage 8 brings a change of pace, with high-speed desert tracks dominating the course. This stage will be a test of outright speed and mechanical reliability. Vehicles and bikes will be pushed to their limits, as competitors aim to maximize their performance over the flat, fast terrain.
While this stage may seem less daunting, the high speeds increase the risk of mechanical failures and crashes. Competitors will need to maintain focus and ensure their vehicles are in top condition. The Trucks category, led by Martin Macik, is expected to shine here, leveraging their power and durability.
Stage 9: Mountainous Challenges
Stage 9 introduces competitors to the mountainous regions of Saudi Arabia, featuring steep ascents and descents. This stage’s complexity lies in its varied terrain, with competitors facing gravel tracks, rocky trails, and sharp turns.
Navigational precision and vehicle control will be paramount, as competitors attempt to navigate the twists and turns without losing significant time. This stage is expected to favor experienced drivers and riders who can adapt quickly to changing conditions.
Stage 10: The Final Push
The final stage of the Dakar Rally 2025 will be a sprint to the finish, with competitors giving their all to secure their positions or make a last-minute push up the leaderboard. While the terrain may not be as challenging as previous stages, the pressure of the final leg can lead to mistakes and dramatic changes in standings.
For competitors like Henk Lategan and Daniel Sanders, maintaining their leads will require focus and consistency. Meanwhile, challengers such as Yazeed Al-Rajhi and Tosha Schareina will aim to capitalize on any opportunities to close the gap.
Conclusion
As the Dakar Rally 2025 enters its second half, the stakes are higher than ever. With each stage presenting unique challenges, competitors must balance aggression, caution, and strategy to achieve their goals. Whether it’s the grueling dunes of the Empty Quarter or the high-speed desert tracks, the coming stages promise to deliver unforgettable moments in this legendary motorsport event.dings. Competitors must balance aggression with caution as they aim to maintain their positions or climb the leaderboard.
