Dakar Rally 2026 – Stage 4: Schareina and Lategan Seize Control as Battles Intensify
Strategy once again proved decisive on Stage 4 of the Dakar Rally 2026, as Tosha Schareina delivered a commanding performance to claim his second consecutive stage victory and move into the overall lead of the motorbike category.
The Monster Energy Honda HRC rider produced a rare and emphatic display, leading from the front for more than half of the 417 km special. His fourth stage win of the event underlined both his pace and tactical maturity—an uncommon combination in Dakar rally raids. Schareina now tops the overall standings, tied on time with teammate Ricky Brabec, holding the advantage on countback thanks to his stronger stage result.
Honda’s dominance was further reinforced by Skyler Howes, just 10 seconds off the lead in third overall, completing a provisional 1-2-3 for the Japanese manufacturer. Adrien Van Beveren endured another challenging day, losing more than five minutes and slipping to the edge of the top ten, now 27′24″ behind the leader.
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing remains firmly in contention. Daniel Sanders sits fifth overall at 2′37″, with Edgar Canet eighth at 3′49″. Sanders, only 1′24″ off the joint lead, is well positioned heading into the next stage with a favourable starting position.
Rally2 Class Turned on Its Head
The Rally2 category saw a dramatic shift as its two leading contenders suffered major setbacks. Michael Docherty was forced out after a broken wheel prevented him from reaching the bivouac-refuge, resulting in significant penalties. Martim Ventura lost nearly two hours due to mechanical issues, effectively ending his podium aspirations.
Their misfortune allowed Dakar rookie Preston Campbell (Monster Energy Honda HRC), son of American Dakar legend Johnny Campbell, to take over the overall Rally2 lead. Neels Theric claimed his maiden Dakar stage win, also marking the first stage victory for Chinese manufacturer Kove.
Ultimate Class: Lategan Takes Command
In the Ultimate category, Henk Lategan delivered a statement drive. Determined to avoid a repeat of last year’s heartbreak, the South African pushed hard and was rewarded with his fifth career Dakar stage win. Driving the Toyota Hilux, Lategan built a gap of more than seven minutes over Nasser Al Attiyah to take the overall lead by 3′55″.
The Goczał family produced an outstanding collective result, with Marek Goczał third, Eryk Goczał fourth, and Michał Goczał sixth. Sébastien Loeb finished fifth and now sits eighth overall, 20 minutes off the lead but still within reach as the rally progresses.
Toyota and Dacia currently occupy the top positions overall, while Ford remains competitive. Despite Mitch Guthrie’s difficult day from the front of the field, Mattias Ekström (third on the stage) and Carlos Sainz (fourth) remain well placed heading into the latter half of the marathon-refuge stage.
Defending Ultimate class champion Yazeed Al Rajhi saw his title defence come to an end after suffering three punctures, forcing retirement at km 234. While he may rejoin the rally after the marathon stage, he is no longer in podium contention.
Performance of the Day: Goczał Family Statement
The Goczał family’s transition into the Ultimate class continues to impress. Entering three Toyota Hiluxes under the Energylandia banner, they secured three of the top six positions on Stage 4. Eryk Goczał now leads the family effort in ninth overall, with Marek and Michał also inside the top 15—an encouraging platform for their long-term ambitions at the pinnacle of Dakar competition.
The RacerViews info
By Matt Hancock
We are passionate, dedicated motorsport professionals.
In 2026 you will see us trackside and stageside with exclusive coverage of
- The World Endurance Championship
- The World Rally Championship
- Belgian Rally Championship
- British GT
- British Rallycross
- and more!
We aim to bring you interviews and photos you won’t see anywhere else. We don’t aim to break the news, rather we aim to bring the voices of the racers to you and the atmosphere of the event to you at home. Our social media presence on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube bring you more, a holistic experience. We partner with racers and professionals in the industry and give back where we can. If we can help you or you have a story to share, please contact us.
