AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear

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
0
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
Tags: mattias-ekstrom-2
Share212Tweet133Send

Related Posts

F1 2026 revolutionizes racing: discover the shocking changes to car size and performance!
Motorsports

F1 2026 revolutionizes racing: discover the shocking changes to car size and performance!

Revving Up for 2026: The Dramatic Transformation of F1 Cars Get ready, motorsport enthusiasts! The highly anticipated 2026 Formula 1...

by Miguel Cunha
March 2, 2026
F1’s explosive driver line-ups for 2026 revealed: game-changers set to dominate Australian GP!
Motorsports

F1’s explosive driver line-ups for 2026 revealed: game-changers set to dominate Australian GP!

F1 2026: The Most Explosive Driver Pairings Revealed Ahead of Australian Grand Prix! As the adrenaline-fueled world of Formula 1...

by David Castro
March 2, 2026
FIA’s shocking engine rule change threatens Mercedes dominance: a new era in F1 begins
Motorsports

FIA’s shocking engine rule change threatens Mercedes dominance: a new era in F1 begins

Formula 1's Compression Ratio Controversy: A Decade-Long Battle Reignited! In a shocking turn of events that has sent shockwaves through...

by Simon Monroy
March 2, 2026
Max Verstappen warns of impending chaos in F1’s 2026 regulations: fans brace for confusion
Motorsports

Max Verstappen warns of impending chaos in F1’s 2026 regulations: fans brace for confusion

Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool

by Carl Harrison
March 2, 2026

Recent News

Estudo britânico enaltece longevidade das baterias dos automóveis elétricos

A British study praises the longevity of electric car batteries.

March 2, 2026
F1 2026 revolutionizes racing: discover the shocking changes to car size and performance!

F1 2026 revolutionizes racing: discover the shocking changes to car size and performance!

March 2, 2026
F1’s explosive driver line-ups for 2026 revealed: game-changers set to dominate Australian GP!

F1’s explosive driver line-ups for 2026 revealed: game-changers set to dominate Australian GP!

March 2, 2026
FIA’s shocking engine rule change threatens Mercedes dominance: a new era in F1 begins

FIA’s shocking engine rule change threatens Mercedes dominance: a new era in F1 begins

March 2, 2026

Newsletter

  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TECHNICAL INFORMATION
  • EDITORIAL STATUS
  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

MSports Play Icon
MSports Play
The New streaming service
Download
×
No Result
View All Result
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.