The gruelling Dakar Rally has delivered another dramatic twist in the vast deserts of Saudi Arabia, with a seasoned champion reclaiming his position at the head of the pack. Five-time winner Nasser Al-Attiyah delivered a masterclass on Friday, 9 January 2026, to seize back the overall lead in the world's toughest motorsport event.
Al-Attiyah Dominates the Crucial Sand Stage
The pivotal moment came during the rally's first stage composed entirely of sand, a true test of driver skill and navigational precision. Al-Attiyah dominated the second half of the mammoth 331-kilometre special stage that ran between the cities of Hail and Riyadh. His blistering performance through the sweeping dunes and challenging terrain was enough to overhaul his rivals and put him back in control of the race standings.
Stunning Visuals from the Saudi Desert
The dramatic landscapes of Saudi Arabia continue to provide a breathtaking backdrop for the rally's high-octane action. A compelling photo gallery, captured by Associated Press photographer Thibault Camus over the past week, showcases the event's raw beauty and intensity. The images document the machines and their pilots as they battle not just each other, but the immense and unforgiving desert environment itself.
This year's route is pushing competitors to their limits, with the terrain between Hail and Riyadh proving particularly decisive. Al-Attiyah's calculated aggression on this stage underscores his extensive experience and his status as one of the rally's all-time greats. His ability to excel when the conditions become purely sandy often separates the front-runners from the rest of the field.
The Road Ahead for the Rally
With the lead now back in his possession, Al-Attiyah will aim to defend his position as the Dakar Rally continues its arduous journey across the Arabian Peninsula. However, the race is notoriously unpredictable, and the remaining stages promise further challenges that could reshuffle the order once more. The focus now shifts to whether the Qatari driver can manage his advantage and fend off the relentless pressure from his closest competitors in the days to come.
The event remains a supreme test of endurance for both human and machine, captivating motorsport fans worldwide. As the rally moves forward, all eyes will be on the desert landscapes to see who can conquer the sand, the heat, and the distance to claim ultimate victory.
