The 47th edition of the Dakar Rally, and the 6th in Saudi Arabia, came to a thrilling conclusion in Shubaytah, with 175 vehicles crossing the final finishing line after covering the entire 7,453 km (FIM) or 7,828 km (FIA) of the grueling route. The event saw triumphs, surprises, and the emergence of new champions across various categories, showcasing the unbreakable spirit and determination of the competitors.
KTM’s Triumphant Return and Sanders’ Dominance
In the bike category, KTM celebrated its 20th Dakar victory thanks to the unshakable performance of Australian rider Daniel Sanders. ‘Chucky’ dominated the race from start to finish, winning five stages and becoming only the second rider in history to lead the rally from the prologue to the final stage. Sanders’ strategic mastery and flawless navigation of the KTM 450 RALLY secured his first Dakar title and the third for Australia.
“So we have just won the Dakar Rally! It’s a massive accomplishment from myself and the team after a tough year, and I can’t thank everyone enough for the support,” exclaimed an elated Sanders. “It’s been a long journey, and I can’t wait to celebrate with everyone!”
Honda’s Strong Presence and Benavides Brothers’ Resilience
Honda once again placed two riders on the podium, with Tosha Schareina claiming second place for his first Dakar medal and Adrien Van Beveren securing third, repeating his performance from the previous year. Luciano Benavides achieved his best-ever Dakar result, finishing fourth, while his brother and title holder Kevin Benavides showed great determination during the first week of racing despite his early withdrawal.
Rising Stars and Impressive Debuts
The 2025 Dakar Rally also saw the emergence of young talent, with 19-year-old Edgar Canet delivering a sensational debut. The Spaniard topped the Rally2 category with four stage wins and finished an impressive eighth overall, becoming the youngest official rider in history to achieve such a feat.
Al Rajhi’s Perseverance Rewarded in Ultimate Category
In the Ultimate car category, Yazeed Al Rajhi’s patience and determination finally paid off on his 11th attempt, as he became the first Saudi driver to win the Dakar title on home soil. Al Rajhi’s consistent performance and strategic navigation of the Empty Quarter allowed him to fend off the challenges of South African Henk Lategan, who finished second.
The battle for the third step of the podium was closely contested between Mattias Ekström and Nasser Al Attiyah. Ekström’s consistency and stage victory in Shubaytah secured his position, while Al Attiyah had to settle for fourth due to rare mistakes.
Triumphs Across Categories
The 2025 Dakar Rally saw new champions crowned across various categories. Nicolas Cavigliasso, the 2019 quad category winner, clinched the title in the Challenger class, while American Brock Heger emerged victorious in the SSV race on his 25th birthday. Martin Macik successfully defended his truck category title, dominating the proceedings throughout the event.
Dakar Classic and Mission 1000: Celebrating Consistency and Innovation
The Dakar Classic race for consistency concluded with 80 vehicles, with Spanish title holder Carlos Santaolalla becoming the first double winner since the category’s creation in 2021. The Mission 1000 challenge, now in its second edition, saw progress in the range and performance of innovative vehicles, including the hydrogen-powered HySe SSV and electric Segway bikes, paving the way for a more sustainable future in rally racing.
A Rally of Perseverance and Unity
As the dust settles on the 2025 Dakar Rally, the event will be remembered not only for its thrilling competitions and worthy champions but also for the unwavering spirit and camaraderie displayed by the participants. The rally’s challenging route, spanning vast deserts and imposing dunes, tested the limits of both man and machine, yet the Dakar family persevered, united in their passion for the sport.
The 2025 Dakar Rally has once again proven itself to be the ultimate test of endurance, skill, and innovation in the world of motorsports. As the competitors and organizers look ahead to future editions, the lessons learned and memories made in Saudi Arabia will undoubtedly fuel their determination to push the boundaries of what is possible and to continue writing new chapters in the illustrious history of the Dakar Rally.
