Sanders extends Dakar lead
Australia’s Daniel Sanders has continued his sensational start to the 2025 Dakar Rally, winning the opening stage.
After being fastest in the Prologue, Sanders stepped up when more was on the line in the 413km opener in Bisha.
Having chosen to start Saturday’s stage 23rd, Sanders perfectly navigated the “tough” stage that was a mix of sand and dirt tracks.
His time of 4h41m27s was 2m04s clear of American Ricky Brabec and Ross Branch.
What made the KTM rider’s extension of his lead even more impressive is the fact he could not rely on the vital road book for a key time.
“That was pretty tough!” Sanders said.
“There was a lot of dust, so maybe my decision to start further back wasn’t the best, but we all caught each other up after a while and everyone was fighting to get ahead.
“I had to ignore the roadbook for a while and just focus on my speed and standing my ground.
“It was a fun start though and I’m interested to see how the 48-hour stage will go – I’m feeling great!”
Fellow Australian and KTM rider Toby Hederics also impressed, slotting in 29th, which leaves him one spot outside the top 30 overall after his first full stage.
Andrew Houlihan completed his first stage back at Dakar in two years and finished 81st.
This also left him 81st overall, 2h19m off the pace.
Toby Price and Sam Sunderland completing stage 1 of Rally Dakar Image: Kin Marcin / Red Bull Content Pool
Toby Price’s transition to cars continued to go from strength to strength as he was on the pace in the opening stage.
After being 11th in the Prologue, Price was 12th, being just under six minutes off the frontrunners.
Considering the star on two wheels is taking on his first stage in a completely different environment, it is a strong start.
In the fight for overall honours, Toyota’s Seth Quintero was initially the runner-up, but was promoted to first after he stopped to help a stranded Laia Sanz.
Quintero was 50s off Guerlain Chicherit, but was awarded 95s once the adjustment was made.
Saood Variawa ensured there were two Toyotas in the top three with Carlos Sainz eighth.
The only two-day stage of the rally awaits being a huge 1058km journey.
Main image: Marcelo Maragni / Red Bull Content Pool
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