Qatar’s Nasser Al Attiyah has surged into the provisional lead at the 2026 Dakar Rally, currently underway in Saudi Arabia. The rally, the 48th edition of the grueling off-road race, features 812 competitors navigating a challenging course across the Kingdom. Al Attiyah’s consistent performance through the first two stages has positioned him as a frontrunner in the ultimate category, setting the stage for a competitive race to the finish.
The second stage, a 400-kilometer stretch from Yanbu to Al-Ula, saw American Seth Quintero claim victory, but Al Attiyah’s eighth-place finish was enough to propel him to the overall lead. He holds a narrow seven-second advantage over Quintero, with Belgian Guillaume de Mevius, South African Henk Latigan, and Frenchman Sébastien Loeb rounding out the top five. The event is being hosted by Saudi Arabia for the seventh consecutive year, highlighting the nation’s growing prominence in international motorsports.
Nasser Al Attiyah Leads the 2026 Dakar Rally
Al Attiyah’s lead is a testament to his experience and strategic approach to the Dakar Rally. He finished the second stage with a total time of 7 hours, 12 minutes, and 16 seconds. This performance builds on a strong start to the rally, demonstrating his ability to maintain pace and minimize errors across diverse terrain.
Monday’s stage was won by Quintero, who completed the course in 3 hours, 57 minutes, and 16 seconds. Latigan finished second, just 1 minute and 42 seconds behind, while Saudi Arabian driver Yazeed Al Rajhi secured third place. The competitive times reflect the demanding nature of the course and the high level of skill among the participants.
Stage Details and Upcoming Challenges
The rally’s third stage, scheduled for Tuesday, will be a 422-kilometer loop around Al Ula, including a significant 314-kilometer liaison section. This stage will likely test the competitors’ navigation skills and endurance. The overall rally distance is substantial, totaling 7,994 kilometers for cars and 7,906 kilometers for motorcycles, with 4,480 and 4,748 kilometers designated as timed sections, respectively.
The route will continue through several key Saudi Arabian cities, including Hail, Riyadh, Wadi Al-Dawasir, and Al-Hanakiya, before returning to Yanbu for the final stage on January 17. Two marathon stages are incorporated into the schedule, adding an extra layer of complexity and challenge. These stages require competitors to complete significant portions of the course without external assistance, testing their self-reliance and mechanical expertise.
The first marathon stage, based in Al-Ula, features 451 km of timed sections for cars and 417 km for motorcycles. The second, running from Wadi Al-Dawasir to Bisha, presents 410 km of timed sections for cars and 418 km for motorcycles. These demanding sections are expected to significantly impact the overall standings and separate the contenders from the rest of the field. Off-road racing enthusiasts are closely following the event.
Additionally, the 2026 edition is seeing increased participation from Saudi Arabian drivers, reflecting the country’s investment in motorsports development. This increased local presence adds another dimension to the competition and provides a boost to national pride. The event also serves as a showcase for the latest advancements in automotive technology and vehicle performance.
The coming days will be crucial as competitors navigate the challenging terrain and attempt to gain an advantage. The third stage and subsequent marathon stages are expected to be pivotal in determining the ultimate winner. Observers will be watching closely to see if Al Attiyah can maintain his lead and withstand the pressure from his rivals, or if another driver will emerge as a dominant force in the 2026 Dakar Rally.
