Bisha, Saudi Arabia – The 2025 Dakar Rally roared to life with a grueling 499km opener, and it didn’t take long for the drama to explode across the desert. With racers playing tactical chess to avoid leading Sunday’s brutal 48-hour, 1,058km Chrono stage, fans were treated to an electrifying display of skill, strategy, and survival.
The sands of Saudi Arabia didn’t just test the machines – they exposed the mental games drivers are willing to play to get the upper hand. The question wasn’t just who was fastest, but who was bold enough to sacrifice speed for strategy?
Mini’s Redemption: Chicherit Blasts to Victory
Frenchman Guerlain Chicherit and co-driver Alex Winocq delivered a shocker by clinching Mini’s first Dakar stage win since 2021 in their X-Raid Mini JCW. Their razor-sharp performance saw them finish 50 seconds ahead of Toyota Gazoo Racing’s Seth Quintero and Dennis Zenz, proving the Mini isn’t just a nostalgic relic but a legitimate contender.
Rising star Saood Variawa, just 19, stunned the rallying world by securing third in his Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa Hilux, only 13 seconds behind Quintero. His youthful grit edged out seasoned veterans Martin Prokop and Viktor Chytka in their Jipocar Ford Raptor by a mere second.
Desert Diva Dominates: Gutierrez Shines in Fifth
Spanish rally icon Cristina Gutiérrez, the so-called “Lady of the Desert,” stole the spotlight, clinching fifth place alongside co-driver Pablo Moreno in their Dacia Sandrider. She outran João Ferreira and Filipe Palmeiro in another X-Raid Mini JCW, cementing her status as a top-tier competitor.
Tactics Trump Speed: Sainz, Al-Attiyah, and Loeb Hold Back
Carlos Sainz and Lucas Cruz secured seventh in their Ford Raptor, playing it safe to avoid Sunday’s grueling lead. Similarly, Toyota’s Lucas Moraes and Australian Toby Price rounded out the top ten with careful yet steady performances.
The day’s most calculated moves came from reigning champion Nasser Al-Attiyah and rally legend Sébastien Loeb. Both intentionally slowed down to avoid starting first on the punishing two-day Chrono stage.
“We learned the hard way last year,” said Al-Attiyah after taking a deliberate 15-minute hit to his time. “Tomorrow, starting 50th would be ideal.” Loeb, who pulled a similar stunt, admitted: “The goal wasn’t to set the fastest time. Everyone’s playing the same game.”
Highs, Lows, and Heartbreak
As the day unfolded, fans witnessed everything from stunning overtakes to heartbreaking crashes. Laia Sanz and Maurizio Gerini were sidelined after their Century CR6-T collided with a rock, forcing repairs on a shattered shock absorber. Meanwhile, Lithuanian star Rokas Baciuska fought mechanical demons, losing time on his rear brakes.
In the bike category, Australia’s Daniel Sanders cemented his dominance, clinching victory 2′04″ ahead of Ricky Brabec. Behind them, Skyler Howes showcased Dakar’s spirit by assisting an injured rider, ensuring sportsmanship remained at the heart of the rally.
The Stage Is Set for Chaos
As the rally caravan braces for Sunday’s 48-hour desert marathon, the leaderboard remains tantalizingly tight. Will Chicherit’s bold statement hold under pressure, or will the titans of Dakar rise from the shadows? One thing is certain: no one is safe, and the desert is unforgiving.