Saudi driver Yazeed Al Rajhi took the lead in the marathon 48-hour second stage of the Dakar Rally 2025 in Bisha. Meanwhile, Carlos Sainz lost 40 minutes after his Ford Raptor flipped, and Sebastien Loeb faced fan issues on his Ford, putting them both behind Al Rajhi. Al Rajhi, who had to abandon the Dakar last year at the same stage, sympathized with his rivals’ misfortunes.
This year, the Dakar Rally introduced a new format where competitors on four wheels and two wheels will cover almost 1000km over two days. The first segment of the second stage ended at 1700 in Saudi Arabia, with all competitors heading to break zones for some rest under the stars before continuing the race at sunrise.
At the midway point, Al Rajhi was 1min 19sec ahead of Nasser Al Attiyah and leading in the overall rankings, ahead of the Qatari five-time winner. Despite facing challenges in the dunes, Al Rajhi maintained a strong performance to lead the pack. His experience from previous Dakar Rallies helped him navigate through the tough terrains.
With seasoned drivers like Sainz and Loeb facing setbacks on the second stage, Al Rajhi’s steady performance put him in a favorable position to secure a strong finish. As a veteran in the sport, Al Rajhi understood the unpredictable nature of the Dakar Rally and remained focused on his own race strategy.
As the Dakar Rally continues, Al Rajhi aims to maintain his lead and build on his performance to secure a podium finish. With his experience and determination, Al Rajhi is poised to make a mark in the 2025 edition of the Dakar Rally. His consistent pace and skillful driving have set him apart from the competition, making him a strong contender to watch in the remaining stages of the race.
