Yanbu, Saudi Arabia – In a remarkable display of resilience, Mathieu Baumel, a Frenchman who underwent a leg amputation less than a year ago, celebrated a stunning victory in the opening stage of the Dakar Rally alongside Belgian driver Guillaume De Mevius on Sunday. The pair piloted a Mini to win the 305km stage, marking a triumphant return for Baumel, a veteran navigator known for his expertise in the grueling desert race.
The unexpected win unfolded in the Saudi Arabian terrain, with Baumel and De Mevius finishing 40 seconds ahead of Qatar’s Nasser Al-Attiyah in a Dacia. This year’s rally is already demonstrating its characteristic challenges, with competitors facing treacherous, stony conditions and the risk of mechanical issues.
Mathieu Baumel’s Inspirational Dakar Rally Return
Baumel’s participation in this year’s Dakar Rally is itself a significant achievement. He lost his lower right leg in January after being struck while assisting a driver with a breakdown in France, according to reports. His recovery and swift return to competition have garnered widespread admiration within the motorsport community.
“Just being here is an enormous triumph,” Baumel stated after the stage, highlighting the personal significance of competing just 11 months after the life-altering incident. He had previously been a crucial part of Al-Attiyah’s successful Dakar campaigns, winning the event together four times, including back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023.
Stage One Results and Key Takeaways
De Mevius expressed surprise at their stage win, noting that the primary objective was to secure at least one stage victory throughout the race. The challenging course, filled with dust and rocks, also impacted other leading drivers.
Al-Attiyah, while disappointed with second place, acknowledged the difficulty of the route. He explained he chose a cautious strategy to avoid potential punctures after witnessing Sébastien Loeb experience two flats while also leading. He plans to start close behind De Mevius on the next stage, believing it will create an opportunity to exert pressure and potentially take the lead.
Loeb, driving a Dacia, finished 10th after losing three minutes due to a puncture. Meanwhile, reigning champion Yazeed Al-Rajhi suffered a significant setback with a 16-minute penalty for missing a designated crossing point, severely impacting his overall standing.
Motorcycle Category Developments
In the motorcycle division, Spain’s Edgar Canet currently holds the top position, benefiting from a six-minute penalty assessed to Botswana’s Ross Branch for speeding in a restricted zone. Canet leads Australia’s Daniel Sanders by a little over a minute, setting the stage for a competitive battle throughout the rally raid event.
The off-road race is famous for pushing vehicles and drivers to their absolute limits. It is also notorious for its unpredictable conditions, which often shift race standings. Navigation is key, as evidenced by Al-Rajhi’s penalty.
The 2024 Dakar Rally consistently presents a test of skill, strategy, and endurance for all competitors. The combination of technical terrain, strategic decision-making, and the ever-present threat of mechanical failures continues to define the event.
Competitors will now face a more substantial challenge, tackling a stage exceeding 500km towards Al Ula, with approximately 400km comprised of individually timed sections. The coming days will likely reveal which teams and drivers can maintain consistency and adapt to the evolving demands of the race. The focus will be on balancing speed with reliability, a delicate equation that often determines success in the Dakar.
Observers will be watching closely to see if De Mevius and Baumel can maintain their early momentum or if Al-Attiyah can leverage his experience and pace on the upcoming stages.
