Dakar Rally 2025: Stage 1 Unfolds with Triumphs and Trials
The 2025 Dakar Rally launched into full throttle with its first official stage—a grueling 413-kilometer loop around Bisha, Saudi Arabia. As competitors navigated a mix of rocky paths, sandy tracks, and tricky navigation zones, the day unfolded with dramatic moments, unexpected setbacks, and standout performances across all categories. Seth Quintero’s victory in the car category, highlighted by an act of sportsmanship, stood as a testament to the Dakar’s spirit of camaraderie and competition.
Car Category: Seth Quintero’s Triumph of Speed and Integrity
American driver Seth Quintero, piloting his Toyota Gazoo Racing vehicle, made headlines not just for his exceptional speed but also for his commendable sportsmanship. Quintero was awarded the stage victory after aiding Cristina Sanz, a competitor stranded with a mechanical issue. His decision to prioritize assistance over competition exemplified the values of the Dakar Rally. Reflecting on the day, Quintero remarked, “This race is as much about humanity as it is about competition” (Autosport).
The stage also showcased impressive performances by Guerlain Chicherit and Saood Variawa, who finished second and third, respectively. Cristina Gutiérrez, representing The Dacia Sandriders, secured a commendable fifth-place finish, further solidifying her reputation as a rising star.
Car Category – Top 5 Standings (General Classification):
| Position | Driver | Team | Time | Variation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seth Quintero | Toyota Gazoo Racing | 04H 35′ 08” | — |
| 2 | Guerlain Chicherit | X-Raid Mini JCW Team | 04H 36′ 03” | +00H 00′ 55” |
| 3 | Saood Variawa | Toyota Gazoo Racing | 04H 36′ 56” | +00H 01′ 48” |
| 4 | Martin Prokop | Orlen Jipocar Team | 04H 36′ 57” | +00H 01′ 49” |
| 5 | Cristina Gutiérrez | The Dacia Sandriders | 04H 37′ 21” | +00H 02′ 13” |
Motorcycle Category: Daniel Sanders Sets the Pace
Daniel Sanders of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing dominated the motorcycle category with a flawless performance, completing the stage in 4 hours, 58 minutes, and 18 seconds. Sanders’ aggressive approach earned him a lead of over two minutes, establishing his position as the rider to beat. “Starting strong sets the tone for the entire rally,” Sanders shared with media outlets.
Ricky Brabec and Ross Branch maintained consistent performances, rounding out the top three, while Skyler Howes and Tosha Schareina fought through challenging navigation sections to secure their spots in the top five.
Motorcycle Category – Top 5 Standings (General Classification):
| Position | Rider | Team | Time | Variation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel Sanders | Red Bull KTM Factory Racing | 04H 58′ 18” | — |
| 2 | Ricky Brabec | Monster Energy Honda HRC | 05H 00′ 40” | +00H 02′ 22” |
| 3 | Ross Branch | Hero Motosports Team Rally | 05H 00′ 56” | +00H 02′ 38” |
| 4 | Skyler Howes | Monster Energy Honda HRC | 05H 03′ 17” | +00H 04′ 59” |
| 5 | Tosha Schareina | Monster Energy Honda HRC | 05H 03′ 25” | +00H 05′ 07” |
Quad Category: Marcelo Medeiros Leads with Precision
In the quad category, Marcelo Medeiros delivered a near-perfect run to claim victory, finishing with a time of 5 hours, 44 minutes, and 46 seconds. Medeiros maintained a steady pace, fending off challenges from Benjamin Melot and David Pabiska, who secured second and third places, respectively.
Quad Category – Top 5 Standings (General Classification):
| Position | Rider | Team | Time | Variation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marcelo Medeiros | Autonet Motorcycle Team | 05H 44′ 46” | — |
| 2 | Benjamin Melot | Esprit KTM | 05H 50′ 22” | +00H 05′ 36” |
| 3 | David Pabiska | SP Moto Bohemia | 06H 04′ 40” | +00H 19′ 54” |
| 4 | Mike Wiedemann | Wiedemann Motorsports | 06H 08′ 37” | +00H 23′ 51” |
| 5 | Jaromir Romancik | Cajdasrot | 06H 09′ 15” | +00H 24′ 29” |
SSV Category: Xavier de Soultrait Sets the Benchmark
Xavier de Soultrait of Sebastien Loeb Racing emerged as the leader in the SSV category, completing the stage in 4 hours, 52 minutes, and 43 seconds. His precise navigation and teamwork proved decisive in fending off competitors like Francisco Lopez and Brock Heger.
SSV Category – Top 5 Standings (General Classification):
| Position | Driver | Team | Time | Variation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Xavier de Soultrait | Sebastien Loeb Racing – RZR | 04H 52′ 43” | — |
| 2 | Francisco Lopez | Can-Am Factory Team | 05H 00′ 18” | +00H 07′ 35” |
| 3 | Brock Heger | Sebastien Loeb Racing – RZR | 05H 05′ 23” | +00H 12′ 40” |
| 4 | Jeremias Gonzalez | Can-Am Factory Team | 05H 12′ 37” | +00H 19′ 54” |
| 5 | Alexandre Pinto | Old Friends Rally Team | 05H 24′ 50” | +00H 32′ 07” |
Truck Category: Mitchell van den Brink Outpaces the Pack
Mitchell van den Brink led the charge in the truck category with a commanding performance for Eurol Rally Sport, clocking in at 5 hours, 11 minutes, and 9 seconds. Ales Loprais and Martin Macik completed the top three, keeping the competition intense.
Truck Category – Top 5 Standings (General Classification):
| Position | Driver | Team | Time | Variation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mitchell van den Brink | Eurol Rally Sport | 05H 11′ 09” | — |
| 2 | Ales Loprais | Instatrade Loprais Team de Rooy | 05H 12′ 49” | +00H 01′ 40” |
| 3 | Martin Macik | MM Technology | 05H 13′ 38” | +00H 02′ 29” |
| 4 | Martin Soltys | Tatra Buggyra ZM Racing | 05H 19′ 47” | +00H 08′ 38” |
| 5 | Vaidotas Zala | Skuba Team de Rooy FPT | 05H 33′ 36” | +00H 22′ 27” |
Conclusion: A Promising Start
The second day of the Dakar Rally 2025 delivered an electrifying mix of competition, camaraderie, and strategy. From Seth Quintero’s heartwarming triumph to Daniel Sanders’ commanding ride, Stage 1 has set a thrilling tone for the rest of the rally. As competitors prepare for the challenges ahead, fans can expect even more intense battles across Saudi Arabia’s unforgiving terrain.
