Dakar Rally 2025: Triumphs, Challenges, and Unforgettable Moments
- Karen Scheepers
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
The 47th edition of the Dakar Rally and the 6th hosted by Saudi Arabia came to a spectacular close in Shubaytah. After covering grueling distances of 7,453 km (FIM) and 7,828 km (FIA), a total of 175 vehicles crossed the finish line. The competition tested the mettle of 77 bikes, 40 Ultimate cars, 1 stock car, 21 Challengers, 23 SSVs, and 13 trucks. While 52 vehicles completed using jokers, 108 competitors faced premature exits, a stark reminder of the rally’s unforgiving nature.
Ultimate Cars: Al Rajhi Claims Glory on Home Soil
Saudi Arabia’s Yazeed Al Rajhi made history by becoming the first Saudi driver to win the Dakar Rally. With a lead of just under four minutes, Al Rajhi displayed relentless determination, edging out South Africa’s Henk Lategan, who led for much of the rally before falling behind in the challenging Empty Quarter. Al Rajhi’s triumph came in his 11th participation, marking a milestone for both him and his country.
The battle for third saw Sweden’s Mattias Ekstrom secure the podium despite fierce competition from Nasser Al Attiyah, who settled for fourth. Meanwhile, the debut of Dacia in the Dakar witnessed mixed fortunes, with Sebastian Loeb’s disqualification overshadowing the respectable performance of their Qatari champion.
Bikes: Sanders and KTM Dominate
Australia’s Daniel Sanders, aboard his KTM, captured his first Dakar title, leading from start to finish. With this win, KTM celebrated its 20th triumph in Dakar history. Sanders’ performance was a masterclass, reminiscent of Marc Coma’s dominance in 2009.
Honda secured two podium spots with Tosha Schareina in second and Adrien Van Beveren in third, reinforcing the Japanese manufacturer’s strength. Young talent Edgar Canet, just 19 years old, shone brightly by claiming victory in the Rally 2 class and earning the title of the best rookie.
Trucks: Macik Retains His Crown
Czech driver Martin Macik delivered another stellar performance to retain his title in the truck category. With five stage victories, he emerged unchallenged after early exits by key rivals. Young Dutchman Mitchel van den Brink secured second, followed closely by Ales Loprais, making for a competitive podium.
SSVs and Challengers: Celebrating New Champions
American rookie Brock Heger claimed the SSV title in his first Dakar outing, ensuring Polaris retained the coveted Tuareg trophy. Meanwhile, Chile’s ‘Chaleco’ Lopez staged an impressive comeback, securing five stage wins to finish second overall.
The Challenger class saw Argentina’s Nicolas Cavigliasso, alongside co-driver Valentina Pertegarini, dominate from start to finish. The duo’s consistency and skill were unmatched, earning them a commanding victory.
Dakar Classic: Santaolalla’s Double
In the Dakar Classic, Carlos Santaolalla etched his name in history by becoming the first double winner of the category. His Toyota HDJ 80, piloted with precision, outperformed Lorenzo Traglio’s Nissan Terrano Tecnosport. The category continues to highlight the endurance and resilience of both vehicles and drivers.
A Spotlight on Toyota Gazoo Racing
Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa’s performance was nothing short of remarkable. Henk Lategan and Brett Cummings secured a well-deserved second place, demonstrating the team’s grit and resilience despite narrowly missing the top spot. Jonsson Workwear, provided essential support. The team’s determination has set the stage for a stronger return in 2026.
A Spotlight on Ford’s Performance
What a ride, Dakar Rally! 🇸🇦 Mattias Ekström and navigator Emil Bergkvist secured a podium finish with P3, and Mitch Guthrie Jr. and Kellon Walch finished fifth, conquering the toughest race on Earth with no quit, a relentless team, and the Ford Raptor T1+.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 Dakar Rally showcased the unyielding spirit of its competitors and the advancements in automotive technology. From Al Rajhi’s historic victory to Sanders’ flawless performance and Macik’s title defense, this year’s event has set a high benchmark for future editions. As teams and drivers look toward 2026, the world eagerly awaits the next chapter of this legendary rally.
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