Doha, Qatar – A dramatic shift in the standings occurred at the 2026 Dakar Rally today as Ford’s Mitch Guthrie surged into the lead in the cars category following a dominant performance in a challenging 421km timed special stage near Al Ula, Saudi Arabia. The stage proved difficult for defending contenders, notably Qatar’s Nasser Al Attiyah, who fell back in the overall rankings. The rally, known for its grueling conditions, continues to test the endurance of both drivers and machines.
The seventh stage, a 736km loop starting and finishing in Al Ula, featured a demanding combination of long sandy stretches and treacherous rocky terrain. Competitors faced a significant test of precision and stamina, with the challenging course impacting several key drivers. The results have reshaped the battle for the coveted Dakar Rally title.
Mitch Guthrie Takes the Dakar Rally Lead
Mitch Guthrie’s victory marks a turning point in the cars competition. He completed the stage with a 26-second advantage over Czech driver Martin Prokop, with Sweden’s Mattias Ekstrom rounding out the podium. This win propels Guthrie to the top of the overall standings, capitalizing on the difficulties faced by previous leaders.
Al Attiyah’s Difficult Day
Nasser Al Attiyah, who had held the lead after Monday’s stage, experienced a setback on Tuesday. He finished 19th, falling to 11 minutes and 39 seconds behind Guthrie in the overall classification. According to reports, Al Attiyah suffered two punctures during the stage, hindering his progress and costing him valuable time.
However, Al Attiyah remains the only driver from Monday’s top six to maintain a position within the overall top ten. This demonstrates his resilience and experience, despite the challenges encountered on this particular stage. His ability to recover will be crucial in the remaining stages of the Dakar Rally.
The off-road race is notorious for unpredictable conditions and mechanical failures, making consistency key to success. Several other drivers also faced difficulties, highlighting the demanding nature of the event.
Honda Dominates Bikes Category
Meanwhile, in the bikes category, Honda riders celebrated a 1-2 finish. Tosha Schareina secured his first stage win since the 2025 edition, completing the special stage in 4 hours, 26 minutes and 39 seconds. Teammate Ricky Brabec finished second, just 2 minutes and 17 seconds behind, breaking a streak of three consecutive third-place finishes.
This strong performance by Honda underscores their competitive edge in the bikes competition. The team’s strategy and rider skill are proving effective in navigating the challenging terrain. The motorcycle rally segment continues to be a closely contested battle.
The Dakar Rally is considered one of the most dangerous and demanding motorsport events in the world. Competitors face not only the physical challenges of the terrain but also the logistical complexities of maintaining their vehicles and navigating the vast desert landscape.
The overall standings are constantly shifting, and the remaining stages promise further drama and competition. The event is attracting a global audience, with fans following the progress of their favorite teams and drivers.
The next stage of the Dakar Rally is expected to present a new set of challenges, potentially favoring different skill sets and vehicle configurations. The outcome remains uncertain, and competitors will need to adapt to the evolving conditions to maintain their position. Observers will be watching closely to see if Guthrie can maintain his lead and if Al Attiyah can mount a comeback.
Official Dakar Rally Website
Ford Official Website
Honda Official Website
