Spanish pilot Carlos Sainz has taken the early lead in the Dakar 2024 car category, holding a temporary edge of 1 minute 51 seconds over his closest rival Yazeed Al Rajhi from Saudi Arabia after stage two. The battle among the elite drivers intensified when Stephane Peterhansel claimed the stage win in a hard-fought duel with fellow French teammates, finishing 29 seconds ahead and marking his fiftyth Dakar victory in the automobile category. The stage was a true test of endurance and skill, and Peterhansel’s performance underscored Audi’s strong start this year, coupled with a desire to extend their winning streak. The stage winner’s time was 3 hours, 54 minutes and 40 seconds, while Sainz finished in eighth place, 17 minutes 15 seconds behind Peterhansel. This solid performance preserved the huge advantage he had built on Saturday and allowed him to consolidate the overall lead, overtaking Belgian driver De Mevius, who had been sitting fifth overall.
At the current pace, Sainz sits 4 minutes 17 seconds ahead of Loeb, who occupies third place, and 13 minutes 16 seconds ahead of the stage winner from this particular leg. He is also 12 minutes clear of Nasser Al-Attiyah, the reigning Dakar champion, who ended the day in fifth position. The gap remains substantial, signaling Sainz’s confidence as the race progresses. The competition remains open, with several teams still in the fight for the podium and the title, offering a dynamic narrative for fans across North America and beyond. The context of a hybrid vehicle adds an extra layer of interest to Audi’s performance this year, highlighting the evolving technology at the Dakar rally.
Two heroic teammates
Peterhansel’s run on the rally’s first days created a clear impression: the Swedish driver Mattias Ekström finished second on Saturday, just a minute ahead of his rivals, and his victory on Sunday confirmed Audi’s early intent to contend for the title, while also pointing to the reliability that the team aims to prove in coming stages. The German squad can relish the double milestone: Peterhansel’s fiftieth win in the car category and Sainz’s growing lead over his nearest rivals, achieved with the help of a hybrid drive that adds strategic depth to the team’s approach. The stage left little doubt that Audi came to Dakar ready to challenge for the top spot. The French driver beat third-placed Seth Quintero by a little over three minutes, trailing Loeb by 29 seconds. This result also positioned Prodrive as a strong contender, driven by both Al-Attiyah and the team. Toyota still has a voice in the conversation, with several Toyota entries among the top ten overall, suggesting a competitive field ahead as the rally unfolds.
During this stage, Peterhansel led eight of the nine sections on the 651-kilometer route that threaded through private, challenging terrain between Al Hanakiyah and Al Duwadimi in Saudi Arabia. The narrative of the day reinforced the sense of a tightly fought battle among the top contenders, with Sainz having to navigate a demanding course that tested his vehicle and his pace. The Madrid native found himself sixth on the time sheet at key moments, but his early advantage helped him manage the risk by the end of the leg, avoiding needless exposure on a day where every second counted.
The day’s results were a reminder of the relentless nature of the Dakar. Sainz struggled with a tough leg that tested both driver and machine. He had to deal with a puncture after overtaking De Mevius early in the stage, an incident that could have compromised his position. Yet his early success and the knowledge that he had built a commanding lead on the opening stage allowed him to preserve his position without unnecessary risk, letting the race come to him rather than forcing the pace. This prudent approach paid off as he adopted a steady rhythm for the remainder of the day, securing a position that kept his overall advantage intact and preserved the momentum needed for the next segment of the rally.
All this happened as the rally continued to reveal the depth of talent across the field. The narrative was not just about Sainz and Peterhansel; it also highlighted the experiences of other seasoned competitors who responded to the early challenges with resilience. Al-Attiyah, Loeb, and Ekström each found moments of brilliance and difficulty, illustrating that Dakar remains a theatre of high-stakes drama where every stage reshapes the standings and fuels the story of the race. As the contenders head toward the next test, the teams are preparing to adjust strategies, manage wear and tear on their machines, and chase the best possible results in the coming phases of the event. The Dakar continues to be a proving ground for drivers who blend skill, endurance, and smart pacing to maximize their chances of victory.
Al-Attiyah’s comeback and others
Al-Attiyah showed resilience by bouncing back after a challenging first stage, finishing fourth in the day’s results and closing the gap to Sainz by roughly twelve minutes. The comeback kept his overall position competitive, as he edged into seventh in the general classification behind Ekström, who held sixth place after finishing the seventh stage. The dynamic among the leaders remains intense, with Al-Attiyah and other top contenders continuing to chip away at gaps and search for opportunities on upcoming runs. The climb back into contention underscores the unpredictable nature of Dakar, where a single day can rewrite the running order and alter the narrative of the rally.
On the side lines, notable participants like Laia Sanz from Catalonia rose questions about adaptation to the car and the pace required to stay within striking distance of the leaders. She finished twentieth, about 36 minutes behind the leader, a reflection of the challenges faced by newcomers adapting to the Dakar’s demanding environment. Nani Roma faced his own hurdles, losing around 25 minutes relative to the leaders and acknowledging that this year’s edition would require adjustments to achieve better results with a different car in the near future. The team’s outlook remains optimistic, focusing on learning from the experience ahead of the next Dakar edition.
With four stages remaining before the rest day, anticipation builds for the half marathon segment between Ad Duwadimi and Al-Hofuf, a key transition ahead of the much-anticipated 48-hour chrono through the Empty Quarter. The field will be testing endurance and strategy alike as they prepare for the most demanding parts of the desert, where heat, sand, and sandstorms converge to test reliability and stamina. The Dakar continues to deliver drama, momentum, and a relentless pursuit of speed and precision in the heart of Saudi Arabia.