Simon Vitse: “We're not going to lose our heads”

Dakar 2026 | Stage 2 | YANBU > ALULA
January 5 ^th 2026 - 15:58 [GMT + 3]

MD Rallye Sport’s French driver achieved his best result on a Dakar stage and, with his two-wheel drive Optimus, finished just behind five Toyota Hilux vehicles.

“We're in sixth place, which we didn't expect! We had a puncture and got through the rocks as best as we could. Max navigated perfectly but I think I made a small mistake with the puncture, although I'm not entirely sure. We're really happy with this stage, we're really on form. It was better for two-wheel drive vehicles compared to yesterday's stage, which was rough, fast and technical. If we go on the attack, we're more likely to get a puncture. We drove as we should have and it paid off. We're not going to lose our heads and the goal is to stay in the lead. I think our place is more between 10th and 15th than in the Top 10 but we'll take what we can get. We're going to continue with our strategy and I hope it pays off”.