BIVOUAC REFUGE > HAIL

01-08-2026 - Stage 5

Liaison > 273 km - Special > 110 km

Benavides and Guthrie win in Hail

It was already evident that Mitch Guthrie’s performances owed nothing to chance. The American driver today provided clear confirmation of his talent by winning a second stage of the Dakar Rally in the Ultimate class, two days after his first victory. After 371 kilometres against the clock, Guthrie junior completed the return leg of the marathon stage just four seconds behind...

Dakar 2026 - Stage 5 - Saudi Arabia's most beautiful landscapes

The fans' questions - Put your questions to our experts!

New this year! Use the question form above to send us your questions for the day's winners or the leaders in the overall rankings.

If your question is selected, it will be asked at the bivouac and a video of the answer will be posted on the Dakar website and social media channels.

In marathon mode!

Stage 4 yesterday combines with today’s one as part of a special format: the marathon refuge stage. Yesterday, the competitors did not reach the traditional bivouac or meet up with their assistance teams and mechanics. They slept in a spartan (with tents, sleeping bags, mattresses and military rations) and had to look after the mechanical aspects of their bikes, cars and...

Separate routes for the bikes and cars

Like yesterday, the cars and bikes will be competing on separate routes for almost the entire stage this Thursday, hence the close start times. This will allow the FIA crews to reach the bivouac earlier and avoid finishing during the night. However, it also means navigation will be key: the cars will not be able to take advantage of the tracks left by the bikes to guide them,...

Heading to Hail!

Welcome to the life coverage on the fifth stage of the Dakar 2026! After having spent the night in a spartan bivouac (with tents, sleeping bags, mattresses and military rations), the competitors will set off to Hail, with 427 kilometres to be covered including 371 against the clock for the cars and 414 km including 356 against the clock for the bikes. Tosha Schareina will...

Dakar 2026 - Stage 5 - David Castera's briefing

ALULA (MARATHON) > HAIL

As on the previous day, split courses will put everyone into action at the first light of dawn, which should particularly affect the navigators of the first cars, forced to find their way without the motorcycle tracks. This detail is important because, while this second part of the marathon is generally faster, some sections are full of changes of direction. A few sections on rocky terrain will also require sacrificing a few seconds rather than losing a whole lot of minutes, or even worse.

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