Yazeed Al-Rajhi Wins Dakar Rally, Daniel Sanders Takes Motorcycle Title

Yazeed Al-Rajhi became the first Saudi Arabian to win the Dakar Rally, while Daniel Sanders dominated the motorcycle category to claim the title at the 2024 Dakar Rally.

Yazeed Al-Rajhi, a 43-year-old local hero, made history on Friday by securing his first Dakar title. He finished the 12-stage rally an impressive four minutes and 33 seconds ahead of his closest competitor, Henk Lategan. Meanwhile, Red Bull KTM's Daniel Sanders maintained his lead to win the motorcycle category.

Henk Lategan, the 30-year-old South African driver, had lost his lead on Thursday and was trailing Al-Rajhi by over six minutes at the start of the final stage in Shubaytah. Despite making a fast start, Lategan was unable to catch up with Al-Rajhi in the shorter 61 km special stage. Al-Rajhi's victory marked a significant milestone, as he became the first Saudi Arabian to win the Dakar Rally.

The Dakar Rally, an off-road endurance event, has undergone significant changes since its inception. Originally held between Paris and Dakar, Senegal, the event moved to Saudi Arabia in 2020 after a decade in South America. The Europe-to-Africa route format was abandoned in 2007 due to security concerns. Al-Rajhi's historic win was celebrated by his teammates, who lifted him onto their shoulders at the finish line.

An elated Yazeed Al-Rajhi expressed his joy at winning the Dakar Rally. “I'm very, very happy to do it. It's not an easy race, it’s the toughest one that I’ve done in 11 years,” he said. Al-Rajhi also highlighted the significance of his achievement, noting that he had set multiple records. “For sure, we've made a lot of records today. The first Saudi driver to win and also in the last 25 years no private team beat a factory team but we did it this time.”

Nasser Al-Attiyah, a five-time Dakar winner, finished second on the final day to secure fourth place overall. Brazilian Lucas Moraes, who had fallen out of contention after losing nearly three hours on Saturday, won the stage with a time 33 seconds faster than Al-Attiyah's.

On home soil, Yazeed Al Rajhi & Timo Gottschalk make history with a Dakar victory for Saudi Arabia! 🇸🇦🏁🔥

*subject to the official publication of the results by the FIA#Dakar2025 #DakarInSaudi pic.twitter.com/Ke8VbIIMq2

— DAKAR RALLY (@dakar) January 17, 2025

In the motorcycle category, Daniel Sanders dominated the competition, leaving second-placed Tosha Schareina eight minutes and 50 seconds behind in the overall rankings. Sanders became the second Australian to win the Dakar title, following in the footsteps of Toby Price. An emotional Sanders described the moment he crossed the finish line. “When I came out of the dunes ... I could see the bivouac and I just got instant chills through my whole body, I was super nervous. I couldn’t believe it. All the emotions started coming through and I could see the finishing line,” he said.

Pure joy & emotions as Yazeed Al Rajhi crosses the finish line! 🏆💥 @KSAF_SAMF
A moment to remember for the Saudi champion!#Dakar2025 #DakarInSaudi pic.twitter.com/qJMJOLKP5F

— DAKAR RALLY (@dakar) January 17, 2025

Sanders reflected on the significance of his achievement, stating that winning the Dakar Rally was a career-defining moment. “It’s the biggest race in the world motorbikes and off-roading. To win the six-day international enduro and now the Dakar, it’s just ticked off all the goals for my career and everything I’ve wanted to achieve.” Tosha Schareina, who finished second, congratulated Sanders on his victory. “I’m super happy for Daniel, he has done a great job and had a great two weeks. I think the 10 minutes more or less he took on the first day allowed him to control the race from then,” the Spaniard added.

Defending champion Ricky Brabec finished fifth overall, trailing Sanders by over 12 minutes. Despite not retaining his title, Brabec's performance demonstrated his skill and endurance in the demanding Dakar Rally.