Lategan Takes Dakar Rally Lead After Epic 48-Hour Desert Stage
Toyota's Henk Lategan has regained the overall lead in the 2025 Dakar Rally following the conclusion of the challenging 48-hour chrono stage. Overdrive Toyota teammate Rokas Baciuška claimed his first stage victory at age 25 after time adjustments for faulty refueling.
Yazeed Al Rajhi moved into second place overall, while Nasser Al Attiyah holds third despite a 4-minute speeding penalty, sitting 11m14s behind Lategan. Sebastien Loeb recovered from overheating issues to claim sixth place, trailing by 18m56s.
Red race car in desert
American Mitch Guthrie maintains ninth position in his Ford Raptor, 23m33s off the lead. Meanwhile, defending champion Carlos Sainz Sr.'s hopes were severely impacted after losing 90 minutes due to a rollover and subsequent damage.
In the SSV category, American Brock Heger won the stage, though Frenchman Xavier de Soultrait leads overall by 5m14s. Paul Spierings surprised in the Challenger class with a stage win, while Nicolas Cavigliasso retained the overall lead.
On two wheels, Daniel Sanders extended his lead to 12m36s, with American Skyler Howes moving into second place. Fellow American Ricky Brabec sits fifth overall after placing eighth in the chrono stage.
Stage 3 will see competitors travel from Bisha to Al Henakiyah, featuring a technical opening section followed by higher-speed segments. The modified special stage covers 327km/203 miles, plus a 521km/324-mile liaison route.
Related Articles
Al Rajhi Makes History as First Saudi Driver to Win Dakar Rally
