Doha, Qatar – The 2024 Dakar Rally saw a shakeup in the car standings on Wednesday as Spaniard Nani Roma took the overall lead, pushing Qatar’s Nasser Al Attiyah to third place after a challenging Stage 9 in the Saudi Arabian desert. The 541-kilometer stage, running between Wadi Al Dawasir and Bivouac Refuge, proved decisive in the Dakar Rally competition, with Roma and compatriot Carlos Sainz securing a one-two finish for Ford. This marks a significant shift in momentum as the race approaches its conclusion.
Al Attiyah, a five-time Dakar champion, finished 17th in the stage and now trails Roma by just one minute and 10 seconds. The demanding terrain and complex navigation contributed to a difficult day for the Qatari driver, according to reports following the race. The rally, the opening round of the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) season, is scheduled to conclude on Saturday on the Red Sea coast.
Nani Roma Takes the Lead in the Dakar Rally
Nani Roma’s ascent to the top of the leaderboard was aided by difficulties experienced by several other contenders. Notably, South African driver Henk Lategan faced setbacks during the stage, potentially impacting his overall position. Roma’s consistent performance and ability to navigate the challenging desert conditions have positioned him as a strong favorite to win the rally.
Carlos Sainz, also driving for Ford, remains a close competitor, sitting in second place overall. The Spanish duo’s strong showing highlights Ford’s competitive edge in this year’s event. Their success is a testament to the preparation and engineering behind their vehicles.
Al Attiyah’s Navigation Struggles
Al Attiyah attributed his lower-than-expected finish in Stage 9 to challenging navigation. He acknowledged the inherent difficulty of the Dakar Rally, stating that tricky navigation is simply part of the competition. Despite the setback, Al Attiyah expressed confidence in his ability to regain lost ground in the remaining stages.
He emphasized the importance of the upcoming stages, particularly the marathon stage, and indicated his team is prepared for the challenges ahead. Al Attiyah’s experience and determination suggest he will continue to fight for the championship title.
Meanwhile, in the motorcycle category, Tosha Schareina of Spain claimed victory in Stage 9 for Honda. However, the day also saw a change in leadership as Argentina’s Luciano Benavides lost his overall lead to Australia’s defending champion, Daniel Sanders.
Sanders Leads Motorcycle Standings
Sanders, riding a KTM, now leads American Ricky Brabec of Honda by a margin of six minutes and 24 seconds. This shift in the motorcycle standings adds another layer of excitement to the final days of the race. The battle between Sanders and Brabec is expected to be intense as they vie for the coveted motorcycle championship.
The first half of a marathon stage was completed today, meaning competitors will have limited assistance from their teams during the next leg. This adds to the strategic complexity of the rally raid, forcing riders and drivers to rely on their own skills and resources. The marathon stage is known for its grueling conditions and unpredictable outcomes.
Additionally, the event serves as a crucial testbed for automotive and motorcycle technology in extreme conditions. Manufacturers use the off-road racing event to gather data and refine their vehicles for future production models. This contributes to advancements in durability, performance, and navigation systems.
Looking ahead, the remaining stages of the Dakar Rally promise further drama and potential shifts in the standings. The final stage on Saturday will ultimately determine the champions in both the car and motorcycle categories. Observers will be watching closely to see if Al Attiyah can overcome his current deficit and challenge for his sixth title, and whether Sanders can maintain his lead in the motorcycle division.
The outcome remains uncertain, dependent on factors such as navigation accuracy, vehicle reliability, and the ability of competitors to withstand the harsh desert environment. The Dakar Rally continues to be a true test of endurance and skill.
Official Dakar Rally Website
World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC)
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