Dakar Rally 2025 Stage 1: Mini’s Guerlain Chicherit beats Toyota as Daniel Sanders dominates bike category

Guerlain Chicherit of Mini X-Raid claimed a hard-fought victory in Dakar Rally 2025 Stage 1 which took place around Bisha, Saudi Arabia, narrowly edging out Toyota’s Seth Quintero while Daniel Sanders dominated in the bike category.

The opening stage which spanned 413 kilometers around Bisha, Saudi Arabia, was marked by fierce competition and strategic maneuvering among the drivers, as they navigated a challenging mix of terrains and conditions.

The Dakar Rally is renowned for its grueling demands on both vehicles and participants, and the Dakar Rally 2025 Stage 1 was no exception. After a brief prologue that set the starting order for the main event, competitors faced a loop course that tested their navigation skills and endurance.

The prologue was dominated by Henk Lategan from Toyota Gazoo Racing, but as the main stage commenced, it became clear that the race would be fiercely contested among several top teams.

Guerlain Chicherit who has been a prominent figure in the rally scene for years showcased his skill and determination throughout the stage. He completed the course in a time of 4 hours, 35 minutes, and 53 seconds.

Chicherit’s performance was particularly impressive given the obstacles he faced, including navigating through dense bushes that caused minor damage to his vehicle. Despite these challenges, he managed to maintain his focus and speed, ultimately securing Mini’s first stage win since 2021.

Meanwhile, Toyota’s Seth Quintero also delivered equally commendable performance. Initially credited with a strong finish after overcoming a significant setback when he had to stop for an accident recovery, he clocked in just 50 seconds behind Chicherit.

Quintero’s final time of 4 hours, 36 minutes, and 43 seconds highlighted both his resilience and tactical approach to the race. His strategy involved maintaining a steady pace while avoiding unnecessary risks, especially with the demanding stages ahead.

The battle for podium positions did not end there as Saood Variawa and his co-driver Francois Cazalet from Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa finished third, just over a minute behind Chicherit. Their performance demonstrated a solid understanding of the course dynamics and effective teamwork throughout the stage.

Other notable performances included privateer Martin Prokop in his Ford Raptor, who finished fourth overall. Prokop’s consistent speed and navigation allowed him to capitalize on others’ mistakes while maintaining a competitive edge.

Cristina Gutierrez from Dacia Sandrider also impressed by finishing fifth overall, showcasing her ability to handle tough conditions effectively.

As the Dakar Rally 2025 Stage 1 progressed, it became evident that many of the rally’s heavyweights were adopting a cautious approach. Defending champion Carlos Sainz finished seventh after opting not to push too hard in order to secure a favorable starting position for the following stages.

This strategy was echoed by other top competitors like Nasser Al-Attiyah and Sebastien Loeb, who finished in 20th and 22nd places respectively. Both drivers expressed their intent to avoid opening the road in subsequent stages due to the inherent disadvantages that come with being at the front of the pack.

The navigation challenges were exacerbated by tricky terrain that included rocky sections and dust clouds created by faster vehicles overtaking slower ones.

This made it difficult for some drivers to maintain their lines and positions effectively throughout the stage. For instance, Laia Sanz experienced mechanical issues when her vehicle crashed into a rock early on while racing through dust clouds.

As competitors prepared for Stage 2—a daunting 48-hour chrono stage across vast desert sands—strategies began to crystallize around positioning rather than outright speed. Many drivers expressed their desire to start further down the order to avoid being first on the road during such a critical segment of the rally.

KTM’s Daniel Sanders dominates in bike category

In contrast to car competitors, Daniel Sanders dominated the Dakar Rally 2025 Stage 1 in the motorcycle category with an impressive time of 4 hours, 41 minutes, and 27 seconds.

Sanders’ performance was characterized by strong navigation skills and quick decision-making as he led from an early point in the race. His closest rivals included Ricky Brabec and Ross Branch, who finished just two minutes behind him.

Sanders’ victory not only showcased his talent but also highlighted KTM’s competitive edge in this year’s rally. The bike category saw several riders struggle with navigation errors that cost them valuable time as they attempted to find their way through complex routes filled with crisscrossing tracks.

Overall, Dakar Rally 2025 Stage 1 set an exciting tone for what promises to be an intense competition filled with strategic plays and high-stakes racing.

As drivers adapt their strategies based on their performances today and look ahead to tomorrow’s challenges in the Empty Quarter—a vast expanse of sand dunes—the anticipation builds for how these early results will shape their overall standings as they navigate one of motorsport’s most demanding events.

With each passing stage, competitors will need to balance speed with caution while also managing their vehicles’ durability over harsh terrains. The lessons learned from Stage 1 will undoubtedly influence tactics moving forward as teams prepare for what lies ahead in this legendary rally.

Dakar Rally 2025 Stage 1 Results(Top 10)

Car category

Bike Category