2025 Dakar Results :
The 2025 Dakar has come to an end following a dramatic two weeks of racing across every class. A two week period that saw bikes, cars and trucks cross the desert in a race, which is for most, simply to reach the finish line – which saw some of the sports biggest teams and names fail to cross the finish line after incidents including crashes, retirements and even FIA instigated withdrawals.
The highlight reel for the 2025 Dakar can be found here :
2025 Dakar Results :
The 2025 Dakar Rally, held from January 3rd to January 17th, was a showcase of endurance, skill, and determination. The race, which traversed the challenging terrains of Saudi Arabia, saw remarkable performances and some dramatic incidents.
Overall Results
Motorcycles:
- 1st: Daniel Sanders (KTM) – Sanders dominated the race, winning five stages and leading from start to finish.
- 2nd: Tosha Schareina (Honda) – Schareina pushed Sanders all the way, finishing just 8 minutes and 50 seconds behind.
- 3rd: Adrien Van Beveren (Honda) – Van Beveren secured third place, marking his second consecutive podium finish.
Ultimate:
- 1st: Yazeed Al-Rajhi (Toyota) – Al-Rajhi became the first Saudi driver to win the Dakar Rally, edging out Henk Lategan by less than four minutes.
- 2nd: Henk Lategan (Toyota) – Lategan led for much of the race but couldn’t make up the deficit in the final stages.
- 3rd: Mattias Ekstrom (Ford) – Ekstrom’s consistent performance earned him third place, with Ford securing a podium on its debut.
Trucks:
- 1st: Martin Macik (Tatra) – Macik led for most of the race and finished over two hours ahead of the second-place truck.
- 2nd: Anton Shibalov (Kamaz) – Shibalov put up a strong fight but couldn’t catch Macik.
- 3rd: Dmitry Sotnikov (Kamaz) – Sotnikov completed the podium for Kamaz.
Classic Class:
- 1st: Carlos Santaolalla (Toyota HDJ 80) – Santaolalla successfully defended his title, becoming the first repeat winner in the Dakar Classic class since its introduction in 2021.
- 2nd: Sanjay Takale (Toyota HDJ 80) – Takale put up a strong performance, finishing just behind Santaolalla.
- 3rd: Jordi Juvanteny (KH7) – Juvanteny completed the podium, showcasing the capabilities of the hydrogen-powered KH7 truck.
The Classic Class, reserved for vehicles manufactured before 2005, saw competitors racing on a separate, parallel route, focusing on consistency rather than speed
Notable Incidents
- Carlos Sainz’s Roll: The race saw an early exit for Carlos Sainz, who rolled his Ford during the 48-hour ‘Chrono’ stage. Despite making it back to base, his car was deemed beyond repair3.
- Sebastien Loeb’s Crash: Nine-time WRC winner Sebastien Loeb also faced misfortune, crashing out during the first week and being forced to retire.
- Navigation Issues: Nasser Al-Attiyah, driving for Dacia, faced navigation issues on Stage 10, which cost him a podium finish.
- Rookie Success: Edgar Canet made a sensational debut, winning the Rally 2 category and finishing eighth overall.
The 2025 Dakar Rally was a testament to the resilience and skill of its competitors, with both triumphs and trials marking the journey. As the dust settles, the motorsport world eagerly awaits the next edition of this grueling race.
