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No Miracle, No Chaos — Only Mastery: Nasser Al-Attiyah Clinches Historic Sixth Dakar as Dacia Writes History

James Taylor by James Taylor
January 17, 2026
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0
No Miracle, No Chaos — Only Mastery: Nasser Al-Attiyah Clinches Historic Sixth Dakar as Dacia Writes History

Nasser Al-Attiyah and Edouard Boulanger on their Dacia Sandrider of the Dacia Sandriders during the Stage 12 of the Dakar 2026, on January 16, 2026 between Al Henakiyah and Yanbu, Saudi Arabia // Florent Gooden / DPPI / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202601160508 // Usage for editorial use only //

There was no miracle in Yanbu. No late ambush. No last-day drama.

The final stage of the 2026 Dakar Rally unfolded exactly as the car category expected it to: a tense formality, carefully managed by a man who understands that Dakar is never won on the final day — only lost.

And once again, Nasser Al-Attiyah was flawless.


A Champion Who Knows When Not to Attack

With just over 100 timed kilometers remaining and a cushion of more than fifteen minutes, Al-Attiyah had one objective: finish.

He did exactly that.

There were moments of tension — a minor navigation slip, a few unexpected detours that briefly lit up the tracking screens — but never panic. The Qatari remained calm, methodical, and fully in control.

The result is now etched into Dakar history:

  • Sixth Dakar Rally victory
  • First overall win for Dacia
  • A feat achieved by only the very few

Al-Attiyah didn’t need to dominate the final stage. He needed to understand it — and he did.


Four Manufacturers, One Signature

This victory places Al-Attiyah in truly elite company.

Beyond chasing Stéphane Peterhansel and his eight overall Dakar wins, Al-Attiyah has now equaled a record long thought untouchable, previously held by Carlos Sainz:

👉 Winning the Dakar Rally with four different manufacturers.

  • Volkswagen
  • Mini
  • Toyota
  • Dacia

Four brands.
One driver.
One unmistakable signature on the sand.


A Quiet Final Stage — Because the Epic Was Already Written

The last special stage offered no legendary moments because those moments had already happened.

The 2026 Dakar was decided earlier — when Al-Attiyah chose calculation over aggression, patience over spectacle. While others attacked, he managed. While rivals were eliminated by errors, he remained exactly where Dakar rewards you most: ahead.

The decisive blow came on stage 10, the marathon return. From that point on, the rally became a lesson in control.

This was not Al-Attiyah at his most explosive.
This was Al-Attiyah at his most dangerous.


Dacia’s Rapid Ascent

For Dacia, the achievement is extraordinary.

  • Second year at the Dakar
  • First overall victory

A young, ambitious project that found in Al-Attiyah more than just a driver — it found certainty. Precision. Leadership. Experience.

A partnership that delivered immediately.


Roma Comes Close, Sainz Endures

Spain’s greatest hope rested with Nani Roma.

Starting the final stage with belief — and obligation — Roma pushed wherever possible, clawing back seconds and refusing to abandon the idea of the impossible. But miracles are rare at Dakar.

Roma finished second overall, 9’42’’ behind the winner — a superb result that returns him to the Dakar podium in a punishing edition. He didn’t claim the Touareg, but once again proved that when Dakar turns brutal, he is always present.

Further back, Carlos Sainz approached the final day with a single goal: finish. After that navigation error earlier in the rally ended his victory hopes, the Madrid driver rode conservatively to secure fifth place — a result that doesn’t reflect his speed, but absolutely reflects his resilience.

Dakar does not always reward the fastest.
It almost never forgives a single bad day.

Tags: dakar-enNasser Al-Attiyah
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