Desert Storm Brewing: Al-Attiyah and Sainz Set the Stage

Unexpected Winners in the Dakar Prologue

The Dakar prologue is often a stage where outsiders can shine, and this year’s edition was no exception. South African driver Henk Lategan, who had previously won two stages but was absent from the last edition due to injury, took the top spot in the prologue.

Strategy Over Speed

Unlike the motorcycle category, the car drivers did not have to push themselves to the limit, as the prologue’s timing does not count towards the overall classification. Instead, the focus was on securing a favorable starting position for the first stage and planning a strategy for the upcoming 48-hour stage.

As a result, the top contenders did not take unnecessary risks, and their times reflected a more cautious approach. Mattias Ekström was the best-placed Ford driver, finishing second, while Nasser Al-Attiyah took third place and was the highest-ranked among the favorites.

Carlos Sainz and Lucas Cruz, the current winners of the race, finished outside the top 20, despite not experiencing any issues. They adopted a cautious approach, which will result in a less favorable starting position for the next stage.

The prologue was not without its challenges, featuring a narrow layout and hidden rocks that caused problems for some drivers, including a puncture for De Mevius’ Mini.

What’s Next

The first long day of the Dakar 2025 will take place around Bisha, with 500 kilometers of route, including 412 kilometers of timed special stages.