Nasser Al-Attiyah Triumphs in Stage 6 of Dakar 2026, Seizing Overall Lead in a Thunderous Comeback!
In a breathtaking display of skill and determination, Nasser Al-Attiyah has surged back to the forefront of the 2026 Dakar Rally, clinching his first stage victory in a commanding fashion. The legendary driver, known for his tenacity and racing prowess, led a spectacular Dacia 1-2 finish alongside teammate Sebastien Loeb, as they tore through the challenging 326km stretch from Ha’il to Riyadh.
Al-Attiyah, a five-time champion of the grueling rally, showcased his strategic brilliance by seizing the stage lead approximately one-third into the action, overtaking Joao Ferreira. Despite facing fierce competition from the likes of Seth Quintero and a late surge from Loeb, Al-Attiyah crossed the finish line with a staggering advantage of 2 minutes and 26 seconds over his Dacia counterpart. This triumph not only marked a significant moment in the rally but also allowed him to reclaim the overall lead, a position he hadn’t held since the end of the second stage.
The 55-year-old racing icon was celebrated as the virtual overall leader at the halfway point, establishing a comfortable 6-minute and 10-second lead over Toyota’s Henk Lategan. Loeb’s impressive performance rocketed him from eighth to second on the stage, marking his first podium finish since 2024, while Quintero took home third place for the Toyota W2RC squad. Meanwhile, Toby Price made headlines with a valiant effort that secured him fourth place, pushing early leader Ferreira down to fifth within the fiercely competitive Toyota ranks.
Ford’s fortunes remained mixed as veteran drivers Nani Roma and Carlos Sainz Sr. finished sixth and seventh, respectively, struggling to make a mark at the front of the pack. Mathieu Serradori from Century Racing took the eighth spot, while Guy Botterill and Energylandia’s Eryk Goczal rounded out the top ten, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of this epic rally.
As the teams prepare for the only rest day of the event on Saturday, Al-Attiyah stands poised to defend his lead. The ongoing battle intensifies as Dacia and Toyota fight for supremacy, while Ford aims to regroup and reclaim their competitive edge. With Stage 7 looming, covering a demanding 462km stretch between Riyadh and Wadi Ad-Dawasir, the stakes have never been higher.
Fans of motorsport are on the edge of their seats as the drama of the 2026 Dakar Rally unfolds, with Al-Attiyah’s latest triumph setting the stage for an exhilarating continuation of this legendary race. Stay tuned for results and updates as the action resumes, and as the world watches to see if Al-Attiyah can maintain his lead and continue his quest for glory!








