In a spectacular display of endurance racing mastery, Qatari motorsport legend Nasser Al-Attiyah has cemented his legacy by capturing an unprecedented sixth Dakar Rally car championship title. The 55-year-old champion, piloting a Dacia vehicle, maintained his commanding position through the final stage in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, demonstrating strategic brilliance by avoiding any critical errors that could have jeopardized his hard-earned lead.
Al-Attiyah’s latest triumph adds to his impressive Dakar victories spanning 2011, 2015, 2019, and two consecutive wins in 2022. The achievement becomes even more remarkable considering his multidisciplinary athletic prowess, having previously earned an Olympic bronze medal in clay pigeon shooting at the 2012 London Games.
The rally’s motorcycle category delivered one of the most dramatic finishes in Dakar history as Argentina’s Luciano Benavides claimed victory by the narrowest of margins—a mere two seconds—denying American rider Ricky Brabec his third title. The 30-year-old KTM rider executed a flawless final stage strategy, capitalizing on a critical navigation error by the Honda rider near the Yanbu finish line.
“I’ve envisioned this moment throughout my entire life,” an emotional Benavides stated after his debut Dakar crown was secured. “Even yesterday, victory seemed improbable, but I maintained belief. When I observed Ricky taking an incorrect route, I seized the opportunity and pursued the proper trajectory with absolute determination.”
Benavides’ victory continues a family legacy in the rally, with his brother Kevin having previously won the marathon race in both 2021 and 2023. The podium was completed by Spain’s Tosha Schareina on a Honda, who captured third position in the overall standings, while Edgar Canet claimed victory in the final bike stage.