Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Qatari rally driver Nasser Al Attiyah continues to lead the 48th edition of the Dakar Rally after Stage Seven, despite finishing 11th in Wednesday’s grueling race between Riyadh and Wadi Al-Dawasir. The five-time Dakar champion is aiming for a record sixth title in the prestigious off-road endurance event, currently navigating a challenging 876-kilometer course that tests both driver skill and vehicle durability. The rally, known for its demanding terrain, is currently underway in Saudi Arabia.
The seventh stage, encompassing 426 kilometers of timed special stages, saw Swedish driver Mattias Ekstrom of Ford take the win, finishing in 3 hours, 44 minutes, and 22 seconds. Al Attiyah completed the stage in 3 hours, 51 minutes, and 46 seconds, 7 minutes and 24 seconds behind Ekstrom. This result, however, was enough to maintain his overall lead as competitors faced setbacks.
Nasser Al Attiyah Maintains Dakar Rally Lead
Al Attiyah, driving a Dacia with co-driver Fabian Lurquin, holds a cumulative time of 28 hours, 10 minutes, and 15 seconds. This places him 4 minutes and 47 seconds ahead of Ekstrom in the overall standings. The shift in standings was partially due to misfortune for South African driver Henk Lategan, who experienced issues in the final kilometers of Stage Seven, dropping him to fourth overall.
Stage Seven Results and Overall Implications
Ekstrom’s victory marks his second stage win of this year’s rally, having also won the opening prologue. João Ferreira of Toyota finished second in Stage Seven, followed by American driver Mitch Guthrie Jr. of Ford. Spanish driver Nani Roma moved into third place overall after a time penalty from Stage Five was rescinded, trailing Al Attiyah by 7 minutes and 15 seconds.
According to reports, Al Attiyah’s vehicle sustained damage after colliding with a tree during the stage. He acknowledged the challenging conditions, describing the route as deceptive with extensive sand, rocky sections, and dense trees requiring precise navigation. The incident highlights the inherent risks and mechanical stresses involved in the Dakar Rally.
Additionally, the competition in the motorcycle category remains fierce. Australian rider Daniel Sanders of Red Bull KTM leads the provisional overall standings with a time of 28 hours, 47 minutes, and 31 seconds, holding a narrow 4-minute and 25-second advantage over American rider Ricky Brabec of Honda. The motorcycle division consistently presents a separate, equally compelling narrative within the broader off-road racing event.
The Saudi Arabian terrain continues to be a significant factor, demanding not only speed but also strategic tire management and vehicle preservation. Competitors are facing a unique blend of sand dunes, rocky plateaus, and winding canyons, testing the limits of both human endurance and mechanical reliability. This year’s route, designed to showcase the diverse landscapes of the Kingdom, is proving to be particularly demanding.
The Dakar Rally is renowned for its unpredictable nature, and even a seemingly comfortable lead can quickly evaporate due to mechanical failures, navigational errors, or challenging weather conditions. The event also serves as a crucial testing ground for automotive technology, with manufacturers utilizing the extreme environment to refine their vehicles and develop innovative solutions for desert racing.
The rally is scheduled to continue with Stage Eight on Thursday, moving further into the Saudi Arabian desert. Competitors will face another long day of racing, with the potential for further shifts in the overall standings. Observers will be watching closely to see if Al Attiyah can extend his lead or if Ekstrom, or another contender, can mount a serious challenge in the remaining stages.
Official Dakar Rally Website
Red Bull Dakar Rally Coverage
The Peninsula Qatar – Source Article
