Doha, Qatar – Mathieu Serradori secured a significant stage win for Century, while Qatari rally driver Nasser Al-Attiyah regained the overall lead in the Dakar Rally 2026 following Stage 10 near Bisha, Saudi Arabia. The challenging 420km stage tested both drivers and machines, particularly as it formed part of the marathon leg where teams were responsible for their own vehicle maintenance without external support. This shift in the standings sets the stage for a tense final push to the finish line.
The stage, completed on Wednesday, saw Serradori and navigator Loïc Minaudier piloting the South African-built Century CR7 to victory, marking a historic first Dakar stage win for the manufacturer. Despite a two-minute speeding penalty, Serradori finished a substantial 6 minutes and 12 seconds ahead of the competition. Al-Attiyah, driving for Dacia, finished second, also incurring a 40-second penalty, but the result was enough to propel him to the top of the overall leaderboard.
Nasser Al-Attiyah Back in Front at Dakar Rally 2026
Al-Attiyah now holds a 12-minute advantage over South Africa’s Henk Lategan in the general classification. Spain’s Nani Roma follows closely behind, trailing Al-Attiyah by a further 50 seconds. This marks a crucial turning point for Al-Attiyah, a five-time Dakar Rally champion, who had previously been chasing the lead.
The Dakar Rally is renowned for its grueling conditions, testing drivers’ endurance and navigational skills across vast desert landscapes. This year’s event, taking place entirely within Saudi Arabia, is no exception, with competitors facing extreme temperatures, treacherous dunes, and complex route planning. The marathon stage adds another layer of difficulty, demanding self-reliance and meticulous preparation.
Stage 10 Challenges and Outcomes
Al-Attiyah emphasized the physical and mental strain of Stage 10, describing it as “very difficult” and acknowledging the toll it takes on competitors. He credited his co-driver, Fabian, with a strong performance and highlighted the need for unwavering commitment throughout the day. According to Al-Attiyah, the car performed reliably, though he jokingly admitted to being “completely destroyed” by the effort.
The competition wasn’t limited to the car category. In the motorcycle division, Adrien Van Beveren of Monster Energy Honda HRC claimed his seventh Dakar stage victory. This win boosted his overall position to sixth, though he remains approximately one hour behind teammate and current race leader, Ricky Brabec. The motorcycle race continues to be tightly contested, with several riders still within striking distance of the top spot.
The Dacia team’s performance has been a key storyline throughout the Dakar Rally, demonstrating the vehicle’s capability in the harsh Saudi terrain. The Century CR7’s breakthrough win also signals a growing competitiveness among the rally’s manufacturers. The event has also seen increased focus on sustainability, with organizers exploring alternative fuel options and reducing the rally’s environmental impact.
The marathon stage concludes with Stage 11, which will likely prove decisive in determining the final outcome of the rally. Competitors will need to maintain their focus and avoid costly mistakes as they navigate the remaining kilometers. Weather conditions and potential mechanical issues remain significant uncertainties. Observers will be watching closely to see if Al-Attiyah can consolidate his lead and secure his sixth Dakar Rally title, or if Lategan or Roma can mount a challenge in the final stages.
The final stages of the Dakar Rally are expected to be completed by January 17th, with the overall winners crowned in Jeddah. The remaining days promise further drama and excitement as the world’s top rally drivers battle for supremacy in one of motorsport’s most demanding events.
