The 2025 Dakar Rally began in thrilling fashion with a challenging 29-kilometer prologue stage in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, setting the tone for the world’s most demanding rally. This short yet critical stage determined the starting order for the grueling weeks ahead. Packed with drama, surprises, and standout performances, the stage has already showcased the fierce competition that defines the Dakar Rally.
Car Category: Henk Lategan Takes the Lead
Toyota’s Henk Lategan delivered a stellar performance, claiming the top spot in the car category with a time of 15 minutes and 28.6 seconds. Lategan’s precision and control earned him the crucial advantage of choosing his starting position for the next stage. “It’s always great to start the Dakar strong,” he commented, highlighting his ambitions for this year’s rally (Reuters).
Close on his heels, Ford M-Sport’s Mattias Ekström secured second place, finishing just one second behind. Nasser Al-Attiyah, the five-time Dakar champion, rounded out the top three. Al-Attiyah, now driving the all-new Dacia Sandrider, performed admirably, finishing just 19 seconds behind the leader. Speaking to reporters, he expressed confidence in his car’s potential: “The Sandrider feels incredible; it’s built for this kind of terrain” (Motorsport.com).
Defending champion Carlos Sainz endured a challenging prologue, finishing in 25th place. Driving for Ford this year, Sainz’s slower start underscores the unpredictable nature of the Dakar. Despite this, his vast experience and determination remain critical assets as the rally progresses (Reuters).
Motorcycle Category: Daniel Sanders Dominates
In the motorcycle division, Daniel Sanders of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing emerged as the standout performer. With a blistering time of 16 minutes and 51 seconds, Sanders showcased his skill and determination. “Starting strong in the prologue is key to building momentum for the tougher stages ahead,” Sanders shared in a post-stage interview (DriveSpark).
One of the day’s most remarkable performances came from Edgar Canet, a 19-year-old Spanish rookie. Competing in his first Dakar, Canet astonished everyone by finishing third overall in the motorcycle category and winning the Rally2 class. His performance marks him as a rising star in rally racing (El País).
Defending champion Ricky Brabec also delivered a strong showing, finishing fourth and setting himself up well for the tougher stages ahead. Unfortunately, Indian rider Harith Noah suffered a wrist injury during the prologue, forcing him to withdraw from the rally (Reuters).
Emerging Contenders and Notable Performances
In the car category, Cristina Gutiérrez made a strong debut in the top division with Dacia, finishing 16th. This marks a promising start for the experienced rally driver. Joan “Nani” Roma, another prominent competitor, secured eighth place, underscoring the depth of talent in this year’s field (AS.com).
The prologue’s sandy tracks and technical sections provided a mix of challenges. Competitors had to strike a balance between aggression and caution, with every second influencing their starting positions for the subsequent stages. The relatively short distance highlighted the importance of adaptability, precise navigation, and smart decision-making.
Dakar 2025 Route: Challenges Ahead
With the prologue behind them, competitors now prepare for the first full stage, a 412-kilometer special stretching through diverse terrain. The route will include sections of rocky paths and sandy dunes, requiring a combination of speed, strategy, and endurance. Al-Attiyah, reflecting on the challenges ahead, stated: “Dakar is all about adapting to what the desert throws at you. Every stage is a new battle” (Reuters).
This year’s Dakar Rally spans over 7,700 kilometers, including 5,100 kilometers of timed special stages. The marathon stages, particularly the 48-hour 950-kilometer challenge, are expected to test competitors’ self-reliance and mechanical skills, with no external assistance allowed during these phases (Dakar.com).
Conclusion: A Promising Start
The prologue stage of the 2025 Dakar Rally has set the stage for what promises to be one of the most thrilling editions yet. With experienced champions like Nasser Al-Attiyah and Carlos Sainz facing fierce competition from rising stars like Edgar Canet, the event is a perfect mix of tradition and new talent.
As the rally progresses, the diverse Saudi terrain will challenge the endurance, strategy, and ingenuity of every competitor. For fans and participants alike, the Dakar continues to exemplify the pinnacle of rally racing, combining cutting-edge technology with timeless human determination.
