Dacia’s Nasser Al-Attiyah initially appeared to dominate Dakar Rally 2025 Stage 5 but his triumph was short-lived as he was later penalized for critical oversight allowing Toyota’s Seth Quintero to claim victory by a mere second.
Dakar Rally 2025 Stage 5, spanning 428 kilometers from Al Ula to Ha’il, was marked by intense competition, unexpected penalties, and a dramatic reshuffling of the standings. As drivers and riders embarked on the grueling stage, they faced a challenging terrain that tested their navigation skills and physical endurance.
Five-time Dakar winner Nasser Al-Attiyah initially appeared to dominate the stage in his Dacia Sandrider as he crossed the finish line first showcasing remarkable speed and control.
However, in a surprising twist Al-Attiyah was later penalized ten minutes for losing a spare wheel during the race. This penalty was a consequence of a quick-release mechanism that malfunctioned over rough terrain, leading to his disqualification from the stage win.
Consequently, American driver Seth Quintero was awarded Dakar Rally 2025 Stage 5 win for Toyota Gazoo Racing, finishing just one second ahead of Al-Attiyah’s adjusted time.
Quintero’s performance was commendable as he not only secured his second stage win of the rally but also made history as the youngest driver to achieve multiple victories in the Ultimate class.
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His strategic driving and ability to navigate through challenges allowed him to climb into the overall standings, where he now sits in ninth place after overcoming earlier setbacks.
Besides Seth Quintero’s success, Swedish driver Mattias Ekström finished third in the stage, further solidifying Ford’s position among the frontrunners.
South African Henk Lategan maintained his overall lead despite finishing fourth in this stage. Lategan’s consistent performance throughout the rally has kept him at the top of the leaderboard, with a significant margin over his competitors.
Another notable performance came from Saood Variawa, who finished sixth in Stage 5. Despite being relatively new to the Dakar Rally, Variawa demonstrated significant skill and speed, having previously won Stage 3.
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Brazilian driver Lucas Moraes faced a challenging day as well. He finished just behind Variawa but struggled with navigation issues and suffered a puncture that hindered his performance.
Moraes expressed disappointment over his team’s struggles but managed to secure a place in the top five overall standings as they headed into the rest day.
KTM’s Luciano Benavides secures first stage win
The motorcycle category saw its own share of drama during Dakar Rally 2025 Stage 5 as well, as Luciano Benavides of KTM clinched his first stage win of this year’s edition of the Rally.
Benavides’ victory came after a fierce battle against Honda’s Adrien van Beveren, who faced a two-minute penalty for speeding that ultimately cost him the win. Nacho Cornejo from Hero Motorsports completed the podium for motorcycles, finishing third.
As riders navigated through difficult conditions, Daniel Sanders from KTM managed to maintain his overall lead despite incurring penalties himself.
Sanders opened the route for Stage 5 but was docked eight minutes for speeding due to a navigation system failure that left him unaware of speed-controlled zones.
Overall, after Dakar Rally 2025 Stage 5 Daniel Sanders holds onto the overall lead in the motorcycle category despite his setbacks during Stage 5. He is followed closely by Tosha Schareina from Honda and Adrien Van Beveren in third place.
In contrast, Henk Lategan leads the car category with Yazeed Al Rajhi and Mattias Ekström trailing behind.
The penalties handed out during this stage have become a recurring theme in this year’s event, with several competitors facing time adjustments that could significantly impact their overall standings as they approach the halfway point of the rally.
With a rest day following Stage 5, competitors will have an opportunity to regroup and strategize for the upcoming stages. The rest day will provide much-needed respite but also serves as a pivotal moment for teams to recalibrate their strategies and make necessary adjustments.
As we look ahead to Stage 6 from Ha’il to Al Duwadimi, anticipation builds among fans and competitors alike. The rally continues to challenge not only physical endurance but also mental fortitude as drivers navigate through unpredictable terrains and face mechanical challenges.
