Dakar 2025: Stage 8: AL DUWADIMI > RIYADH: A Capital Lead for Sanders and Lategan

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600 MACIK Martin (cze), TOMASEK Frantisek (cze), SVANDA David (cze), Iveco, MM Technology, Trucks, action during the Stage 8 of the Dakar 2025 on January 12, 2025 between Al Duwadimi and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia A.S.O./A.Vincent/DPPI

Riyadh Province: The Heart of the Action

Spanning vast, rugged landscapes, Riyadh Province holds a central role in Saudi Arabia’s geography and its adrenaline-pumping rallies. Today’s special stage unfolded south of the capital, with the FIM and FIA vehicles tackling split routes. Each covered over 480 kilometers, testing the endurance and skill of all participants.

Sand dunes took center stage, teasing sand specialists eager to conquer the Empty Quarter. Success demanded not only raw driving power but laser-sharp focus in both navigation and handling. Off-piste challenges forced competitors to maneuver through hills with precision, while faster sections, littered with tangled tracks, kept navigators on edge. It was versatility that earned Daniel Sanders and Henk Lategan their top spots, bringing them closer to glory as the rally approaches its finale.

Key Highlights of the Day

  • Pablo Quintanilla’s Early Exit: A fall after 133 km forced Quintanilla out with a shoulder injury. Stopping to assist him, Luciano Benavides and Adrien Van Beveren showcased sportsmanship before charging ahead. Both riders were credited for their time, securing the top two podium spots—Benavides first, Van Beveren second, just 2’08’’ apart.
  • Daniel Sanders Holds Steady: Despite a 3’30’’ loss to Tosha Schareina, Sanders remains unshaken with an 11-minute lead—a solid buffer as the rally heats up over the next three stages.
  • Henk Lategan’s Double Victory: Riyadh continues to be a lucky charm for Lategan. After a stellar performance in 2022, he clinched another stage win today, followed by teammates Guy Botterill (+1’47’’) and Mathieu Serradori (+4’04’’).
  • Challenger Class Rising Star: 19-year-old Pau Navarro claimed his first stage win, finishing 1’23’’ ahead of Paul Spierings. Meanwhile, Nicolas Cavigliasso maintains a commanding lead of 25’49’’ over Gonçalo Guerreiro in the overall rankings.
  • Martin Macik’s Dominance: With his fourth stage win, Macik extended his lead to 2 hours 29 minutes over Mitchel van den Brink. However, Van den Brink faces pressure from Ales Loprais, who trails by just 7 minutes.
201 AL RAJHI Yazeed (sau), GOTTSCHALK Timo (ger), Toyota, Yazeed Racing, Overdrive Racing, FIA W2RC, Ultimate, action during the Stage 8 of the Dakar 2025 on January 12, 2025 between Al Duwadimi and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia A.S.O./A.Vincent/DPPI

The Star of the Show: Mathieu Serradori

Serradori’s journey continues to inspire. Known for his knack for upsetting major teams, Serradori and co-pilot Loïc Minaudier have elevated their game. Driving the CR7 T1+, developed with South Africa’s Century Racing team, Serradori clings to 6th place in the general rankings. His 3rd-place finish today brings him within 3 minutes of Mitch Guthrie, inching closer to the coveted top five.

80 ALMOGHEERA Abdoulhalim (sau), KTM, Haleem, FIM W2RC, Rally2, action during the Stage 8 of the Dakar 2025 on January 12, 2025 between Al Duwadimi and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia A.S.O./J.Delfosse/DPPI

Heartbreak and Farewell to Quintanilla

Pablo Quintanilla’s consistent presence in the Dakar rally came to an abrupt halt after a crash today. A two-time FIM world champion and a seven-time Dakar finisher, Quintanilla was forced to bow out of his 13th Dakar, leaving Honda’s ranks one rider short. Despite the setback, Honda still boasts four competitors in the top five, determined to challenge Daniel Sanders for the crown.

QUINTANILLA Pablo (chl), Honda, Monster Energy Honda HRC, FIM W2RC, RallyGP, Motul, portrait during the Stage 8 of the Dakar 2025 on January 13, 2025 between Al Duwadimi and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia A.S.O./C.Lopez

A Historic Streak Ends: Giniel de Villiers

A shocking development saw Giniel de Villiers exit the rally after an impeccable 21-year streak. The South African legend, winner of the 2009 Dakar, contested 286 consecutive stages with 18 stage wins. His departure, caused by a concussion sustained by co-pilot Dirk Von Zitzewitz, marks the end of an era.

The Making of a Classic

The rivalry in the Dakar Classic continues to heat up. While Carlos Santaolalla’s Toyota HDJ 80 leads, Lorenzo Traglio’s Nissan Terrano remains a close contender. As the fine sands of the Empty Quarter loom, every grain could tip the scales in this thrilling duel.

706 BERRIER Axel (fra), ATHIMON Jérémy (fra), Porsche, Gastiglione Ventures Limited / Nantes Prestiges Autos, Dakar Classic, action during the Stage 8 of the Dakar Classic 2025 on January 13, 2025 between Al Duwadimi and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia A.S.O./D.Castilho/Fotop

W2RC Showdown: Benavides and Sanders Chasing AVB

Luciano Benavides claimed his first stage victory of the season and the 13th of his W2RC career. The 2023 world champion now stands shoulder to shoulder with teammate Daniel Sanders, who has racked up five stage wins since the rally began in Bisha.

This year marks a new chapter for both the Argentine and the Australian riders as they make their debut in KTM colors after transitioning from Husqvarna and GasGas, respectively.

Adrien Van Beveren, meanwhile, continues to raise the bar. His win in stage 5 boosted his W2RC stage record to an impressive 16 victories. As the race intensifies, either ‘Chucky’ Sanders or the younger Benavides could match AVB’s tally by the finish line in Shubaytah—and perhaps even secure the coveted Dakar title.

Following last year’s gripping Hero-Honda rivalry, 2025 is shaping up to be a fierce battle between KTM and HRC. The stage is set for a thrilling finale!

DE MEVIUS Guillaume (bel), Mini, X-Raid Mini JCW Team, FIA W2RC, Ultimate, portrait during the Stage 8 of the Dakar 2025 on January 13, 2025 between Al Duwadimi and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia A.S.O./C.Lopez

 

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illustration landscape, paysage 604 SOLTYS Martin (cze), MIKSCH Vlastimil (cze), SIKOLA Tomas (cze), Tatra, Tatra Buggyra ZM Racing, Trucks, action during the Stage 8 of the Dakar 2025 on January 12, 2025 between Al Duwadimi and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia A.S.O./F.Le Floc’h/DPPI