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Mattias Ekström conquers Dakar’s Marathon Stage, and João Ferreira with a brilliant 4th place, while the title picture shifts dramatically

James Taylor by James Taylor
January 15, 2026
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
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Mattias Ekström conquers Dakar’s Marathon Stage, and João Ferreira with a brilliant 4th place, while the title picture shifts dramatically

Mattias Ekstrom and Emil Bergkvist during the Stage 9 of the Dakar 2026 on January 13, 2026 between Wadi ad-Dawasir and Bivouac Refuge, Saudi Arabia // Kin Marcin / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202601130184 // Usage for editorial use only //

The 11th stage of the 2026 Dakar Rally was the longest on paper — a punishing 882 kilometers including a 346-kilometer timed special — and it delivered one of the most decisive turning points of the rally.

At the end of a relentless day, Mattias Ekström emerged as the dominant force, claiming his third stage victory of Dakar 2026 and vaulting himself up to fourth overall in the standings.


Ekström Leads From the Front as Ford Stacks the Podium

After losing valuable time on Wednesday due to a mechanical issue, Ekström responded in emphatic fashion. The Ford driver controlled the stage from start to finish, setting the pace and never relinquishing command.

He was shadowed by two fellow Ford runners:

  • Romain Dumas finished 1’22’’ behind, securing the first Dakar stage podium of his career
  • Carlos Sainz completed the all-Ford top three, 2’26’’ back

It was a statement performance from the Blue Oval on the rally’s most demanding test.


Al-Attiyah Still Leads — But the Margin Shrinks

Despite Ekström’s charge, Nasser Al-Attiyah retains control of the overall classification. However, his advantage has taken a significant hit.

Al-Attiyah saw his lead over Nani Roma reduced by 4 minutes and 20 seconds, with the Spaniard now just 8’30’’ behind and two stages remaining.

The pressure is on.


Lategan’s Nightmare Opens the Door

The biggest shock of the day came from Henk Lategan.

Starting the stage second overall, Lategan’s rally unraveled dramatically. He was forced to stop at kilometer 140, eventually continuing after losing 1 hour and 40 minutes — only to stop again around ten kilometers later. At the time of reporting, he had not yet restarted.

The collapse ended his challenge and reshaped the podium fight.


Loeb Climbs Back Into the Title Picture

Lategan’s misfortune allowed Sébastien Loeb to climb onto the overall podium.

Loeb finished the stage 8’20’’ behind Ekström, gaining more than four minutes on teammate Al-Attiyah. While he remains 18’37’’ off the lead, the nine-time WRC champion is now firmly back in contention with two days to run.


Serradori Pays the Price for Opening

Yesterday’s stage winner Mathieu Serradori had the unenviable task of opening the route. The penalty was severe: he finished more than 15 minutes behind Ekström and dropped two positions in the overall standings.


Provisional Overall Standings – Cars (After Stage 11)

  1. Nasser Al-Attiyah (QAT) – Dacia – 44h39’59
  2. Nani Roma (ESP) – Ford – +8’40
  3. Sébastien Loeb (FRA) – Dacia – +18’37
  4. Mattias Ekström (SWE) – Ford – +21’32
  5. Carlos Sainz (ESP) – Ford – +28’48
  6. Mathieu Serradori (FRA) – Century – +36’06
  7. Lucas Moraes (BRA) – Dacia – +37’01
  8. Toby Price (AUS) – Toyota – +56’59
  9. Saood Variawa (RSA) – Toyota – +1h03’56
  10. Guy Botterill (RSA) – Toyota – +1h07’43
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