The 2025 Dakar Rally has been a harsh battleground for Dacia Sandriders, with the team enduring another blow as Nasser Al-Attiyah lost over 30 minutes on stage four due to mechanical troubles. Following Sébastien Loeb and Fabian Lurquin’s controversial disqualification on stage three, Al-Attiyah’s issues have further compounded the team’s struggles in this year’s grueling event.
Al-Attiyah’s Troubles on Stage Four
The five-time Dakar champion, who started the stage in a promising third position overall, encountered problems early in the 415km route from Al Henakiyah to AlUla. After 92km, Al-Attiyah was forced to replace a wheel, costing valuable time. Later, extensive repairs were required at the 188km mark, necessitating assistance from teammates Cristina Gutiérrez and Pablo Moreno Huete.
By the end of the stage, Al-Attiyah had tumbled to seventh overall, sitting over 33 minutes behind stage winner Yazeed Al Rajhi and 35 minutes adrift of overall leader Henk Lategan.
Stage Four Highlights
- Yazeed Al Rajhi claimed victory, trimming Henk Lategan’s overall lead to just under seven minutes. The Toyota Hilux driver capitalized on consistent pace throughout the stage.
- M-Sport Ford’s Mattias Ekström moved into the overall podium positions, showcasing the team’s strong form amid the chaos for other top contenders.
- Mitch Guthrie Jr, Ekström’s teammate, initially finished third on the stage, but a five-minute penalty post-stage relegated him to sixth.
- Century Racing put in an impressive showing with Brian Baragwanath, Mathieu Serradori, and Marcelo Gastaldi delivering competitive performances.
Marathon Stage Pressure
Stage four marked the opening leg of the marathon stage, a unique challenge in which competitors camp at a remote bivouac with limited technical support. Unlike the traditional 48-hour chrono stages, marathon stages play a pivotal role in setting the road order for the subsequent stage while awarding crucial W2RC points.
Notable performances included:
- Juan Cruz Yacoopini (Toyota Hilux) finishing third on the stage.
- Martin Prokop (Orlen Jipocar Ford Raptor) claiming fourth.
- Mathieu Serradori (Century Racing) overcoming a speeding penalty to finish sixth.
Dacia Sandriders’ Uphill Battle
The Sandriders team has been under immense pressure since losing Loeb to disqualification after stage three. Al-Attiyah’s setbacks on stage four have now left the team’s chances of podium success in jeopardy. However, with several stages remaining and unpredictable terrain ahead, the team will be looking to regroup and fight back.
Nasser Al-Attiyah: “It’s frustrating to lose so much time, especially when we were in a strong position. These things happen in Dakar, but it doesn’t make it any easier. We’ll keep pushing.”
Looking Ahead
The marathon stage continues with stage five, offering opportunities for redemption for Al-Attiyah and others who suffered on day four. Meanwhile, leaders like Lategan and Al Rajhi will aim to consolidate their positions as the rally edges closer to its halfway mark.
For Dacia Sandriders, it’s all about damage control and salvaging what remains of their Dakar 2025 campaign.
