Stage 3 at Dakar: Moraes Takes a Narrow Win as Toyota Stays Competitive
Lucas Moraes claimed his first stage triumph at Dakar, delivering a bold message after exiting the Toyota Gazoo Racing lineup earlier in the season. The Brazilian driver rode a challenging route through rough terrain to finish the day as the fastest on a course that tested navigation, endurance, and pace. The stage distance surpassed 700 kilometers, with a demanding 438 kilometers of special timed sections that pushed crews to balance speed with careful measurement. The presence of veteran navigator and expert consultant Armand Monleón added another layer of expertise to Moraes and the team, helping them optimize lines over rocky outcrops and dust-choked stretches.
In the chase, Yazeed Al-Rajhi had a strong run of his own, ending the stage in third place, just a minute behind Moraes. Carlos Sainz moved into the overall leadership briefly, placing Madrid’s driver in a position to push for overall victory. Sainz did not have an easy day, but managed well enough to stay within striking distance as the rally progressed. He sat less than half a minute behind potential rivals from Saudi Arabia and remained within striking distance of a field that included a French rival who closely tracked the overall standings.
Moraes’ win was a reminder of the depth on the Toyota side, as Audi’s Mattias Ekström closed the gap and overtook rivals for a stage win of his own. Ekström surged ahead of the progression but could not shake Al-Attiyah’s late push. Al-Rajhi followed in third, crossing the line 1 minute and 9 seconds behind the leader. Seth Quintero faced a tough day, slowing by 22 minutes in the dunes, a significant setback for the young Toyota pilot who had shown considerable talent and pace earlier in the event.
Sainz finished 3 minutes and 29 seconds behind Moraes and 2 minutes and 20 seconds behind Al-Rajhi, with the overall field compressed enough to keep the championship fight alive. The Spanish driver’s results remained solid, contributing to a balanced outlook for Dakar as he eyes a potential fourth Touareg trophy and the prospect of achieving it with an electric prototype in the near future.
Stellar performances also came from Stephane Peterhansel, who delivered a display of consistency even if the day did not favor the Audi contingent as much as the top performers. Peterhansel’s triumphs have become a hallmark of Dakar history; yesterday he matched a record, then extended his lead in stage wins as he crossed the finish in a tight margin over Moraes. The French veteran now sits a substantial distance behind the overall pace and remains a factor in the strategic arc of the rally as it unfolds.
Cars (stage 3)
1 – MORAS/MONLEON (TOYOTA) – 4:14:51
2 – EKSTRÖM/BERGKVIST (AUDI) at 0:09
3 – AL-RAJHI-GOTTSCHALK (TOYOTA) 0:69
4 – AL-ATTIYAH/BAUMEL (NASSER AVCI) 1:33
5 – SAINZ/CRUZ (AUDI) at 3:29
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7 – PETERHANSEL/BOULANGER (AUDI) 7:49
9 – LOEB/LURQUIN (BRX) 23:41
Cars (general)
1 – AL-RAJHI-GOTCHALK (TOYOTA) – 13:07:29
2 – SAINZ/CRUZ (AUDI) at 0:29
3 – EKSTRÖM/BERGKVIST (AUDI) at 8:26
4 – MORAS/MONLEON (TOYOTA) at 9:17
5 – AL-ATTIYAH/BAUMEL (NASSER AVCI) 10:49
Notes on the day show how close the field remains at the top tier. Moraes, moving with confidence, tightened the margins on a course that demanded precise handling of a tricky surface. The collaboration with Monleón provided essential insight for line selection through stony sectors, contributing to the late surge that secured the stage victory. The result kept Toyota in a strong position as the rally enters its more decisive chapters, with Sainz keeping pace and Al-Rajhi maintaining a steady approach that could pay off in the longer run. The terrain remains unforgiving, and every kilometer tests equipment and crew alike, making each result a meaningful signal for teams plotting the best strategy for the next leg. [Citation: Dakar official results feed]