JAKARTA – The legendary Dakar Rally is charging through its 48th edition in the challenging terrain of Saudi Arabia, with South African driver Henk Lategan and Spanish motorcyclist Tosha Schareina emerging as frontrunners in their respective categories.

Running from January 3-17, 2026, this year’s competition features 14 days of intense racing across a demanding circular route starting and ending in Yanbu. The course spans 8,000 kilometers of punishing landscapes, including vast sand dunes, treacherous rocky paths, and physically exhausting stretches that test even the most experienced competitors.

Record-Breaking Participation

The seventh Saudi Arabian-hosted Dakar Rally has attracted an impressive 787 drivers representing 49 nations, competing across 421 vehicles in multiple categories. The diverse field includes 72 Ultimate cars, 115 motorcycles, 45 trucks, 41 Side-by-Side vehicles, 75 Classic cars, 37 Challengers, 7 Stock vehicles, 22 Classic trucks, and seven Mission 1,000 entries, demonstrating the rally’s global appeal and competitive breadth.

Current Leaders Dominate

In the premier car category, Henk Lategan of Toyota Gazoo Racing has established commanding leadership in the overall standings following a decisive Wednesday stage victory. He finished ahead of five-time Dakar champion Nasser Al-Attiyah of Dacia Sandriders from Qatar and French legend Sebastian Loeb, who has dropped to eighth position overall. Spanish veteran Carlos Sáinz, driving for Ford and sitting fourth overall, also fell victim to Lategan’s superior performance.

The motorcycle division showcases Spanish rider Tosha Schareina claiming his second straight stage win, catapulting him to the top of the leaderboard. He shares identical timing with American competitor Ricky Brabec, with both riders representing the Monster Energy Honda HRC team. Fellow Spaniard Edgar Canet continues to remain competitive despite facing difficulties in recent stages.

Notable Casualties and Challenges

Defending champion Yazeed Al-Rajhi’s campaign ended in disappointment on January 7 when the Saudi driver became the first major title contender to withdraw from the Ultimate category. After suffering three tire punctures during Wednesday’s stage and exhausting his spare wheels, Al-Rajhi—who delivered a flawless performance in 2025—was forced to retire while still recovering from injuries sustained in a previous accident.

Saudi Arabia’s Dania Akeel, a rising star in the Challenger category who secured a stage victory in last year’s rally and finished third in the FIA World Rally Raid Championship, is experiencing timing setbacks that have hampered her qualifying position in this edition.

Diverse Competition Categories

The 2026 Dakar Rally features expanded categories designed to increase competitiveness and showcase various vehicle types:

T1 Ultimate Cars represent the flagship category, with high-performance prototypes from manufacturers including Toyota, Ford, and Dacia competing for supremacy.

T2 Stock vehicles allow modified production cars, with Land Rover entering three Defenders piloted by 14-time Dakar winner Stéphane Peterhansel.

Challenger T3 category focuses on lightweight prototypes built specifically for off-road competition.

SSV T4 features side-by-side vehicles near production specification, including Chilean veteran Francisco ‘Chaleco’ López Contardo in a Can-Am Maverick R.

Motorcycles are divided into RallyGP for professionals, Rally2 for semi-professionals, and Original by Motul for self-supported riders.

Trucks T5 includes both competition and support vehicles providing essential logistical assistance.

Dakar Classic welcomes 97 historic vehicles from the 1980s through 2005, competing in regularity format across 4,292 kilometers with 211 competitors from 26 countries.

Mission 1,000 showcases sustainable technology with seven electric motorcycles and one hydrogen-biodiesel hybrid truck competing across 13 stages totaling 1,071 kilometers.

The Route Ahead

The competition consists of a prologue plus 13 demanding stages, with the first four stages already completed. Competitors face a rest day in Riyadh before tackling the remaining challenges through varied Saudi regions including Hail, Wadi Ad Dawasir, Bisha, and Al Henakiyah, each presenting unique demands that reward adaptability and mental resilience.

As the rally progresses, the diverse terrain and fierce competition continue to embody the enduring spirit of what’s considered the world’s toughest motorsport event, with Saudi Arabia solidifying its position as the premier venue for this legendary race.

Original Article:

Atalayar. (2026, January 7). The Dakar Rally continues its demanding course in Saudi Arabia.  Retrieved from https://www.atalayar.com/en/articulo/sports/the-dakar-rally-continues-its-demanding-course-in-saudi-arabia/20260107135126222046.html