The 2025 Dakar Rally continued to push competitors to their limits as Stage 2 unfolded with the grueling 48-hour Chrono. Covering nearly 1,000km of challenging terrain over two days, the stage tested both endurance and strategy, with competitors spending the night under the stars without access to their mechanics.
Ultimate Class: Al Rajhi and Al-Attiyah Battle for the Lead
The desert sands of Saudi Arabia set the stage for an intense showdown between local hero Yazeed Al Rajhi and five-time Dakar champion Nasser Al-Attiyah. Both drivers, piloting the new Dacia Sandrider, traded the lead throughout the day’s 600km special stage. At the 5 pm cut-off, Al Rajhi held a narrow 1-minute, 19-second lead over his Qatari rival.
Defending champion Carlos Sainz faced a significant setback after flipping his Ford Raptor T1+. While teammate Mitch Guthrie Jr. helped him back on track, the damage left Sainz trailing the leaders by nearly an hour.
Meanwhile, rookie Toby Price, a two-time Bike champion, impressed with a strong performance alongside co-driver Sam Sunderland. The duo camped out 16 minutes and 20 seconds behind the leaders, showing great promise in their Ultimate class debut.
Bikes: Sanders Extends His Lead
In the Bike class, Australian Daniel Sanders continued his winning streak, setting the fastest time for the third consecutive day. Riding for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, Sanders now holds a commanding overall lead. “It’s been a tough but rewarding ride so far,” Sanders commented after another stellar performance.
Red Bull KTM teammates Luciano Benavides and rookie Edgar Canet also delivered solid rides, finishing in the provisional top 10. However, the day brought disappointment for India’s Hairth Noah, who withdrew from the rally after sustaining a wrist injury.
Challenger Class: A Strong Showing by Navarro and Akeel
The Challenger class saw standout performances from Pau Navarro and Dania Akeel, both driving Taurus T3 Max vehicles. Navarro climbed to fifth overall in his class debut, while Akeel secured sixth. Red Bull Off-Road Junior Team drivers Gonçalo Guerreiro and Corbin Leaverton also navigated the challenges of the 48-hour Chrono, finishing second and fourth, respectively.
SSV: De Soultrait in Control
In the SSV category, Xavier De Soultrait maintained his lead, with Chilean veteran Francisco López trailing by nearly two hours. The gap highlights the punishing nature of the Dakar Rally and the resilience required to succeed.
Looking Ahead: The Second Day of the 48-Hour Chrono
Competitors will tackle the remaining kilometers of the 48-hour Chrono tomorrow, racing back to Bisha after a night of self-repairs and minimal rest. With tight margins at the top of several categories, the stage is set for more drama and excitement as the Dakar Rally continues.
Selected Stage 2 Provisional Standings (Overnight)
Ultimate Class
- Yazeed Al Rajhi (SAU) – 6h 57m 3s
- Nasser Al-Attiyah (QAT) +1m 19s
- Mattias Ekström (SWE) +8m 55s
- Toby Price (AUS) +16m 20s
- Carlos Sainz (ESP) +59m 19s
Bike Class
- Daniel Sanders (AUS) – 7h 41m 56s
- Edgar Canet (ESP) +7m 44s
- Luciano Benavides (ARG) +12m 46s
Challenger Class
- Nicolas Cavigliasso (ARG) – 7h 10m 14s
- Pau Navarro (ESP) +6m 27s
- Gonçalo Guerreiro (POR) +12m 24s
Stay tuned for more updates as the 2025 Dakar Rally continues its journey through the unforgiving Saudi Arabian desert.
Source: Redbull Content Pool
This article was crafted with assistance from Chatgpt
