STAT OF THE DAY: 20
The 2026 edition of the Dakar was billed as one of the most open in the race’s history and the first week of competition has definitely lived up to this claim. Five different drivers have won on the first six stages and just as many have led the overall rankings. On arrival in Riyadh, which will host the rest day, 26 minutes and 46 seconds separate Nasser Al Attiyah (in 1st) from his Dacia team-mate, Lucas Moraes (in 10th). There has never been as close a top ten at this stage of the Dakar on the editions contested in Saudi Arabia (from 2020 to the present day), nor in South America (2009–2019). The most recent gap as small dates back to 2006, 20 years ago! At the time, 11 minutes and 26 seconds separated the leader, Giniel de Villiers, from tenth place, namely Nani Roma. Two decades later, the Ford driver is again in this Top 10, but in third place this time. He is not the only competitor in this situation: fourth today, Carlos Sainz was second at the time, showing just how durable the two Spaniards are!
