Carlos Sainz faced a challenging day at the 2024 Dakar Rally and only lost the lead minimally
The third stage, stretching between Ad Duwadimi and Al Salamiya, tested the skills and endurance of Sainz, who finished the race in sixth place First place in the overall ranking over the Saudi Yazeed Al-Rajhi by just 29 seconds. This change in classification reflects the intensity and uncertainty inherent in the Dakar, an event that is not just a race but also a battle against the elements and circumstances.
A stage full of difficulty and excitement
The stage was not easy for Sainz. Navigation problems at the beginning cost you valuable minutes, and one incident almost ended in a rollover. “I was driving in the dust behind Mattias (Ekström) and we got a hole in which we almost tipped over,” said Sainz. Mishaps like this are common in the Dakar and dealing with them is an essential part of the strategy for success in the world's toughest rally.
Lucas Moraes: A new star on the horizon
In contrast to Sainz's setbacks, the Brazilian Lucas Moraes celebrated his first stage victory in the Dakar together with his Spanish co-driver Armand Monleón. This success underlines not only Moraes' emerging talent, but also the importance of the synergy between driver, team and co-driver in a competition as demanding as the Dakar.
The half marathon modality
The half marathon stage of the Dakar imposes significant limitations on mechanical support, increasing the complexity of the race. In this context, the risky stage of Nasser Al-Attiyah, who arrived on three wheels, shows the unpredictability and rigors of the rally. For his part, Stéphane Peterhansel, given the difficulty of clearing the route and the complicated navigation, focused on minimizing damage, a common tactic among experienced Dakar competitors.
Sébastien Loeb: A day to forget
Sébastien Loeb, another prominent figure in the rally, had a particularly difficult day as he suffered three punctures and ran out of spare wheels. This situation highlights the adversity that can dramatically change the course of a race for any competitor, regardless of skill or experience.
Stage and overall classification for cars
The stage classification was led by Lucas Moraes and Armand Monleón, closely followed by Mattias Ekström. Yazeed Al-Rajhi, the new Dakar leader in the car category, and Al-Attiyah completed the top spots. Carlos Sainz remained competitive despite the setbacks, which reflected his skill and endurance.
Spanish perspectives in the Side by Side (SSV) categories
In the side-by-side categories, Spanish hopes remain high, with Gerard Farrés leading the SSV category. His performance, together with that of his co-driver Diego Ortega, underlines the strength of the Spanish participants in various categories of the Dakar.
The 2024 Dakar Rally continues to offer an exciting mix of victories, challenges and unexpected twists. As Carlos Sainz fights to regain the lead, new talents such as Lucas Moraes are emerging, demonstrating the constant evolution and intense competition of this legendary event. With each stage, the Dakar tests not only the riders' skills, but also their ability to adapt and overcome adversity. The race continues and with it the promise of more action, strategy and drama in the desert.