Nasser Al‑Attiyah claimed his sixth Dakar Rally victory in 2026, dominating the final stage in Yanbu and cementing his status as a rally‑raid legend. Belgian driver Fabian Lurquin secured his maiden win for Dacia, delivering the marque’s first overall triumph since its return. Both victories reshaped the podium and highlighted the growing competition in the Saudi desert.
Final Stage Secures the Podium
The 14th and decisive stage on 17 January saw a minor navigation error that cost several rivals minutes, but it did not disturb the leaders’ rhythm. Al‑Attiyah, already in control since the opening days, preserved a comfortable gap, while Lurquin capitalised on a brief weakness among his competitors to claim the top spot.
Al‑Attiyah’s Mastery Throughout the Rally
Having won in 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023 and 2024, the Qatari driver managed his pace impeccably, answering every terrain trap with the composure of a seasoned champion. His performance on the sand dunes around Yanbu reaffirmed the consistency that defines his sextuple title run.
Lurquin’s Breakthrough for Dacia
After a challenging first half, Lurquin found the perfect tempo on the crests of sand near Yanbu. Dacia’s technically reliable vehicle suffered only a minor service‑area repair, allowing the Belgian to finish just 3 minutes 12 seconds behind the leader—a respectable margin in the fiercely contested T3/T4 class.
Dakar’s Saudi Arabian Era
Since moving to Saudi Arabia in 2021, the Dakar Rally has shifted from African plains to the Rub’ al‑Khali desert, western coastal mountains and Yanbu’s coastal flats. These new terrains demand higher technical skill, attracting fresh investment from manufacturers eager to test cutting‑edge technology under extreme conditions.
Impact on the Winners
Nasser Al‑Attiyah: A Legend Consolidated
The sextuple champion now stands beside icons such as Stéphane Peterhansel and Sébastien Loeb. His success strengthens the Qatar Racing Club’s influence, and analysts anticipate a future transition toward mentorship or team leadership, passing his expertise to the next Gulf generation.
Fabian Lurquin: Emerging Star
At 28, the Belgian’s victory marks him as a rising force in global rally‑raid. Sponsors across Europe have already expressed interest, promising financial and technical backing that could launch a long‑term, high‑profile career.
Dacia: First Victory and Future Prospects
The win signals a turning point for the brand. Since its 2022 comeback, Dacia has refined a high‑rigidity chassis and a sand‑optimised suspension. Lurquin’s triumph positions Dacia among the leading Dakar manufacturers, opening doors to new partnerships and broader market visibility.
Overall Classification Highlights
- Cars (T1/T2): Nasser Al‑Attiyah (Toyota) 1st, Sébastien Loeb (Mini) 2nd, Camille Brousse (Peugeot) 3rd.
- Bikes: Kevin Benavides (Honda) 1st, Toby Price (KTM) 2nd.
- Quads: Lucie Bessis (France) 1st.
- SSV: Fabian Lurquin‑Dupont (Belgium) 1st, Lee Jae‑hoon (South Korea) 4th after a transmission issue.
Future Outlook for the Dakar
The 2026 edition reaffirmed the rally’s reputation as the ultimate desert endurance test, blending physical resilience, team strategy and technological innovation. Saudi authorities have pledged further investment in infrastructure and safety, ensuring the event’s continuation in the Kingdom for upcoming editions. Pilots will view every kilometre as a chance to reinvent themselves, while fans can expect ever‑more spectacular battles on the world’s most demanding terrain.
