Henk Lategan takes lead with Dakar Rally stage 10 win
South African Henk Lategan climbs back to the top as Nani Roma secures a stage win for Ford in the Dakar Rally.
 |
| South African driver Henk Lategan and co-driver Brett Cummings race during Stage 8 of the 2025 Dakar Rally between Al Duwadimi and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on January 13, 2025. Photo by Valery Hache/AFP/Getty Images |
By Armandio Alif and Widya Putri
Henk Lategan of South Africa reclaimed the overall lead in the Dakar Rally on Wednesday following an intense 10th stage. The day’s victory went to Spain’s Nani Roma, driving for Ford, marking the manufacturer’s first stage win in the event since 2015.
Roma completed the 120km special from Haradh to Shubaytah, a route dominated by challenging sand dunes, in 2 hours, 6 minutes, and 34 seconds. This triumph adds to Roma’s illustrious Dakar career, which includes wins in both the motorbike (2004) and car categories (2014).
“It’s been a tough rally for us from the beginning,” said Roma. “We tried to have a clean day, and this morning we were very fast. We’re happy for the team, the car is strong, and everything is coming together.”
Trailing Roma was Brazil’s Lucas Moraes in a Toyota, finishing 18 seconds behind, while Saudi Arabia’s Dania Akeel rounded out the podium, 1 minute and 40 seconds adrift.
Overnight leader Yazeed al-Rajhi, driving an Overdrive Toyota and representing Saudi Arabia, encountered difficulties when he got stuck in the sand. This setback allowed Lategan to seize the overall lead.
Lategan, also driving a Toyota, now holds a 2-minute, 27-second advantage over al-Rajhi in the general classification. Reflecting on his performance, Lategan remarked, “It wasn’t the plan to push today. We aimed for a steady pace, and it worked out. Hopefully, some other competitors were faster and can open the track tomorrow.”
Despite the mishap, al-Rajhi maintained a positive outlook. “We got stuck because we were taking it easy. Everything is going well, and there’s no pressure. I’m optimistic for the upcoming stages.”
Thursday’s 11th stage, dubbed the Empty Quarter Challenge, promises to test competitors further with a grueling 275km special around Shubaytah. The terrain features an unforgiving mix of gravel sands and salt lakes, presenting opportunities for racers to either recover lost ground or solidify their positions.
Organizers hinted at potential surprises, stating that it is “not too late to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat or climb onto a podium.”
Motorbike dominance by Sanders
 |
| Australian rider Daniel Sanders competes in Stage 8 of the 2025 Dakar Rally between Al Duwadimi and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on January 13, 2025. Photo by Valery Hache/AFP/Getty Images |
Stage honors, however, went to South Africa’s Michael Docherty, riding a KTM. Docherty, well-versed in desert conditions due to his base in the United Arab Emirates, finished the stage in 2 hours and 3 seconds.
“I’m very happy to be back in the dunes,” said Docherty. “This is what I’ve been waiting for since the start of the Dakar. Even though it was a short stage, it was exciting and challenging.”
As the Dakar Rally progresses into its final stages, competitors face a blend of technical terrains and high-stakes racing. For Lategan, the challenge lies in maintaining his lead, while rivals like al-Rajhi and Moraes aim to close the gap. Meanwhile, in the motorbike category, Sanders will need to remain consistent to secure his victory.
With unpredictable conditions and fierce competition, the Dakar Rally continues to deliver dramatic moments, showcasing the resilience and skill of the world’s best racers.
Post a Comment for "Henk Lategan takes lead with Dakar Rally stage 10 win"