Stage one of the 2025 Dakar Rally was a long day, with competitors fighting thorns, rocks, and dust during the stage. In the end, KTM managed to retain its position in the motorcycle class while Quintero from the US in the Hilux took the stage victory in the cars category. Overall, it was a tough day, and the motorcycle class now has three manufacturers in the top three spots.
2025 Dakar Rally stage 1 result: Motorcycle class
In the motorcycle class, Australian Daniel Sanders maintained his consistency, taking the stage win for the second time in a row, leading the overall standings in the motorcycle class. The KTM rider was followed by defending Dakar champion, Honda’s Ricky Brabec in second, and Hero’s Ross Branch in third. The next two places are by Honda again in the stage, and the overall rankings after stage one are in the same order.
It was not smooth sailing for all, as the day’s conditions were tough with too many right-angle turns, however, front-runners soon caught up with each other and then it was a classic race across the desert. Hero’s Sebastian Buhler had to withdraw from the race after a crash that left him with a broken shoulder. So far, after two days of racing, we have two withdrawals — Buhler and Harith Noah.
2025 Dakar Rally stage 1 result: Cars
In the cars category, there is no Al-Attiyah, or Loeb, however, the stage was won by Seth Quintero, who is racing in the T1+ class for the first time. One interesting duo in the top 10 from yesterday’s stage is ex-Dakar motorcycle champions now racing cars — Toby Price and Sam Sunderland. The duo finished the stage in 9th overall, holding the same position. Current Dakar champion Sainz stands seventh overall.
