A comprehensive recap of the final stage (Stage 13) and overall results of the Dakar Rally 2026 in Saudi Arabia, which concluded in Yanbu w...
A comprehensive recap of the final stage (Stage 13) and overall results of the Dakar Rally 2026 in Saudi Arabia, which concluded in Yanbu with some of the closest finishes in the event's history.
Historic Bike Category Finish
The highlight of the 2026 edition was the bike race, which saw the closest margin of victory ever recorded at Dakar:
Winner: Luciano Benavides secured his first Dakar title by a staggering 2 seconds over Ricky Brabec.
The Turning Point: Brabec held a virtual lead until just 2 kilometers from the finish line, where a navigation error cost him the lead.
Podium: Luciano Benavides (1st), Ricky Brabec (2nd), and Adrien Van Beveren (3rd) rounded out the overall podium.
Car (Ultimate) Category
Winner: Nasser Al-Attiyah claimed his sixth Dakar victory, winning for a fourth different manufacturer—this time marking the first-ever win for the Dacia Sandriders.
Performance: Despite a small navigation scare during the final stage, Al-Attiyah maintained control to finish nearly 10 minutes ahead of the field.
Podium: Al-Attiyah was followed by Nani Roma (2nd) in a Ford, marking his first podium since 2019, and Mattias Ekström (3rd), also in a Ford.
Other Major Category Winners
Trucks (T5): Vaidotas Žala made history as the first Lithuanian to win a Dakar title in the truck category, characterized as "Mr. Consistency" throughout the rally.
Challenger: Pau Navarro (21 years old) secured his first title, having led the overall standings since Stage 5.
SSV: Brock Hager went "back-to-back," successfully defending his title with six stage wins over the two weeks.
Stock: Rokas Baciuška dominated in a Defender, securing a one-two finish for the manufacturer in its Dakar debut.
Dakar Classic: Karolis Raišys won the regularity rally for vintage vehicles.
Sustainability and Innovation
The video also features the Mission 1000 challenge, highlighting green technology in motorsport. The KH7 Eco-Verde truck won the challenge, and explorer Mike Horn discussed the future of hydrogen-powered vehicles at Dakar.
Looking Ahead
Dakar Director David Castera expressed great satisfaction with the high drama of the 2026 rally and hinted that the 2027 edition would explore even more sandy areas and new terrains, with details to be revealed in May 2026.
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