Pictures by Red Bull Content Pool
Text by Mike Charopka

A roadbook error reshuffles the standings while rivalries heat up on the dunes.

Stage 7 of the Dakar Rally delivered an unpredictable twist. A 418 km loop near Al Duwadimi turned chaotic due to a roadbook error at kilometer 157, leaving competitors scrambling in a navigational maze. While some crews initially gained significant time by deciphering the error, race organizers neutralized a 20 km section, resetting the standings and sparking debates over fairness.

Ford vs. Dacia

The rivalry between Ford’s Mattias Ekström and Dacia’s Nasser Al-Attiyah reached new heights. Ekström capitalized on his navigation skills to secure second place on the stage, narrowing the gap in the overall standings. Al-Attiyah, meanwhile, struggled with the roadbook error, losing precious minutes before the neutralization erased the damage. Mitch Guthrie Jr., another Ford standout, finished third on the stage, keeping Ford in the fight against Dacia for podium dominance.

Bikes

America’s Ricky Brabec continues to shine in the bike category, holding fourth place overall despite the challenging stage. Daniel Sanders of GasGas claimed his fifth stage win of the rally, navigating the technical terrain with precision. The neutralization did not impact the bikers, who followed a separate course, but the fast-paced action kept the competition fierce.

Cars

Toyota’s Lucas Moraes claimed the stage win, but his victory was marred by a one-hour penalty for a phone infringement. Henk Lategan’s impressive navigation initially earned him a significant lead, but the neutralization wiped out his gains, leaving him just 21 seconds ahead of Yazeed Al-Rajhi in the overall standings.

Challenger

In the Challenger class, American Corbin Leaverton bounced back with a stage win, finishing narrowly ahead of Yasir Seaidan. Despite the victory, the husband-and-wife duo of Nicholas Cavigliasso and Valentina Pertegarini maintained a commanding overall lead.

SSV

Brock Heger continues to dominate the SSV category, extending his overall lead despite finishing behind Jeremías Gonzalez Ferioli on the stage. Fellow American Xavier de Soultrait remains second overall, though mechanical setbacks have widened the gap.

Conclusion

The roadbook error on Stage 7 not only added drama but also reignited rivalries across categories. With dunes and navigation challenges intensifying as the rally heads deeper into Saudi Arabia, the stage is set for a thrilling finish. Will Ford overtake Dacia, and can American racers push for glory in the coming stages? Stay tuned.

CHECK THE RESULTS ON THE OFFICIAL DAKAR DAKAR RALLY WEBSITE: https://www.dakar.live.worldrallyraidchampionship.com/en/car/7/standings

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