Nasser Al-Attiyah has carved his name even deeper into Dakar Rally history.
With a commanding victory on stage 12, the Qatari star stopped the clock 1’04’’ ahead of Mitch Guthrie, securing his 50th stage win in the car category. That single result carries historic weight: Al-Attiyah has now equalled the all-time Dakar stage-win record, previously shared exclusively by Ari Vatanen and Stéphane Peterhansel.
It is a milestone that cements Al-Attiyah’s legendary status — and one that places him firmly on course for a sixth overall Dakar victory.
A Stage Won — With Suspense Until the End
Al-Attiyah delivered the benchmark time at the finish, but the day carried tension to the final kilometres.
Mitch Guthrie kept the outcome alive with a rollercoaster stage. After leading early at 45 km, Guthrie slipped as far back as 19th place by km 94, before launching a determined comeback through the field. By 288 km, he was back within two minutes of Al-Attiyah, remaining the last major variable of the day as the results awaited confirmation at the finish.
When the dust settled, however, Al-Attiyah stood tall — another stage conquered, another record matched.
Ekström’s Opening Gambit Shakes the Podium Fight
While Al-Attiyah made history at the front, Mattias Ekström delivered one of the most decisive strategic performances of the rally.
Tasked with opening the stage, Ekström executed the role to perfection. The Swede was 3’24’’ faster than Sébastien Loeb, a margin large enough to overhaul Loeb in the overall standings.
As a result:
- Ekström moves up to third overall
- Loeb drops to fourth, just 29 seconds behind
Everything on the Line in Yanbu
The fight for the final podium position is now set for a dramatic finale.
With only 108 kilometres against the clock remaining in Yanbu, the battle for Dakar bronze between Ekström and Loeb is wide open — and separated by less than half a minute.
