Sainz on Brink of Disaster with Roma and Gutiérrez by His Side

Disaster Strikes for Spanish Competitors in Dakar 2025

The second stage of the Dakar 2025 has been a disaster for Spanish competitors, with none of them able to make it to the top of the leaderboard. The stage was won by Saudi driver Yazeed Al-Rajhi, who completed the 341 km course in 10 hours, 54 minutes, and 54 seconds.

The biggest loser of the day was Carlos Sainz, who had a Dantesque stage despite the fact that it was much shorter than yesterday. His Ford Raptor was badly damaged, and he had to complete the stage without a front windshield, protected only by motorcycle glasses. He lost 1 hour and 33 minutes to the leader, Henk Lategan.

Nani Roma also had a bad day, stopping at kilometer 766 with serious mechanical problems. He will arrive late to the finish line, losing several hours. Cristina Gutiérrez and Pablo Moreno were unable to complete the stage and had to reach the Bisha camp by road.

Cristina Gutiérrez’s Sacrifice Goes Unrewarded

Cristina Gutiérrez’s sacrifice yesterday, when she and her co-pilot-mechanic Pablo Moreno saved Loeb from mechanical problems, has not been rewarded by destiny. Loeb drove hard today, making up a lot of time on Al-Rajhi, but Gutiérrez and Moreno were unable to complete the stage.

Isidre Esteve Also Suffers Breakdown

Isidre Esteve, who was running in a fantastic 25th place in the stage, had to stop at kilometer 713 with mechanical problems in his Toyota.

Tomorrow, the Dakar 2025 will leave the Bisha camp for the first time to move towards Al Henakiyah, where the third stage will culminate, 406 kilometers timed.