As the dust settles over the Saudi desert on the Dakar Rally Rest Day, The Dacia Sandriders have sent a clear message to the competition: they are in command. In a masterclass of resilience, strategy, and precision driving, the team has taken the lead in the opening round of the 2026 FIA World Rally-Raid Championship.
Arriving in Riyadh on 9 January after conquering 3,636 kilometres of punishing terrain, the Dacia quartet holds positions first, sixth, 10th, and 13th overall, highlighted by a spectacular 1-2 finish on Stage 6. With seven stages and an additional 4,343 kilometres still to tackle, the team shows no sign of slowing.
Al-Attiyah Reclaims the Top Spot
Qatari driver Nasser Al-Attiyah and co-driver Fabian Lurquin, leaders after Stage 2, suffered a setback on Stage 3 with double tyre deflations that dropped them to 10th. Undeterred, the duo clawed their way back, posting the second fastest time on Stage 4 and claiming a decisive stage win on Friday, reclaiming first place overall by 6 minutes and 10 seconds.
Al-Attiyah is now just one stage away from equalling the legendary record of 50 Dakar Rally stage wins, currently held by Stéphane Peterhansel and Ari Vatanen. His Stage 6 victory marked a remarkable 19 consecutive editions with at least one stage win, reinforcing his enduring dominance at age 55.
Strong Support from Team-Mates
Sébastien Loeb and Édouard Boulanger, despite making seven tyre changes in the first six stages, showcased the team’s depth by securing Stage 6’s 1-2 finish for Dacia Sandriders. The pair currently sits sixth overall, demonstrating relentless determination despite earlier setbacks.
World champion Lucas Moraes, racing for the first time alongside navigator Dennis Zenz, impressed with two top-four stage times, holding 10th overall. Meanwhile, Spaniards Cristina Gutiérrez and Pablo Moreno overcame tyre challenges to finish week one inside the top 15, ready to support their teammates in the final week.
Tyre Strategy: A Winning Formula
The unforgiving Dakar terrain has historically tested the Sandriders’ tyres. In partnership with BFGoodrich, Technical Director Philip Dunabin explained the team’s focus on puncture resistance:
“In past years, tread punctures were a major issue. This year, we’ve seen none. Only sidewall punctures occurred, which we are now monitoring for future improvements. The key is balancing performance and driver caution—while you can’t adjust speed to avoid tread issues, sidewall punctures require careful handling.”
Key Moments So Far
- Stage 1: Al-Attiyah/Lurquin finished second; Loeb/Boulanger battled tyre damage to 10th; Moraes/Zenz placed 11th; Gutiérrez/Moreno in the top 15.
- Stage 2: Al-Attiyah/Lurquin lead the Dakar for the first time in team history; Loeb/Boulanger climb to fifth; Moraes/Zenz hold 13th.
- Stage 3: Tyre damage drops Al-Attiyah/Lurquin to 10th; Moraes/Zenz and Gutiérrez/Moreno climb with fourth- and fifth-fastest times.
- Stage 4: Al-Attiyah/Lurquin post second fastest, moving to runner-up; Loeb/Boulanger fifth; Moraes/Zenz 12th.
- Stage 5: Al-Attiyah/Lurquin narrow the gap to first; Moraes/Zenz finish fourth; Loeb/Boulanger 12th.
- Stage 6: Al-Attiyah/Lurquin dominate to reclaim first overall; Loeb/Boulanger complete a historic 1-2 for Dacia; Moraes/Zenz 16th; Gutiérrez/Moreno 15th.
Provisional Overall Standings After Stage 6
- Nasser Al-Attiyah / Fabian Lurquin – 24h18m29s
- Sébastien Loeb / Édouard Boulanger – +17m36s
- Lucas Moraes / Dennis Zenz – +26m46s
- Cristina Gutiérrez / Pablo Moreno – +33m45s
Looking Ahead: Stage 7
Following the Rest Day, week two kicks off on 11 January with a 462-kilometre timed stage through predominantly sandy but fast tracks toward Wadi ad-Dawasir. With a total of 876 kilometres including liaison sections, the Dakar Rally continues to test endurance, skill, and strategy to the limit.
The Dacia Sandriders have demonstrated that preparation, teamwork, and perseverance are as vital as speed. If their opening-week form is anything to go by, the race for Dakar glory is far from over—and the world is watching.
