2026 DAKAR RALLY ENTERS WEEK TWO

The opening half of the rally has delivered a relentless mix of terrain, from rocky tracks and fast gravel to extended dune stages. The two-day marathon stage proved to be a pivotal test, placing a premium on tire management, navigation, and mechanical sympathy, with no outside assistance permitted overnight. The week concluded with the longest stage of the rally through the dunes of the Qassim region. With a demanding first half now complete, the rally now enters Stage 8 following Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Luciano Benavides Stage 7 win.

Marking Benavides’ second stage win of the event so far, the KTM rider now sits third in the overall standings as Edgar Canet fought through the pack to claim second in the stage and Daniel Sanders fourth, who continues to extend his rally lead.

Stage 7 marked the beginning of week two as riders left Riyadh and headed south toward Wadi Ad-Dawasir on a long and demanding 877km route, including 459km against the clock. Fast open valleys and high-speed tracks were followed by extended dune sections, where navigation and rhythm proved critical, before the stage tightened through narrower, more technical terrain later in the day. 

Unstoppable on Stage 7, Benavides came out swinging to lead the field from start to finish. As the sixth rider into the 459km special, the Argentine pushed hard straight away and by 100km, he had opened up a lead of over one minute. Increasing that advantage all the way to the flag, and despite not earning any time bonus, Benavides secured a decisive stage win by four minutes and 57 seconds.

Luciano Benavides: 
“I’m really pleased to take my second stage win of the race today. I pushed all day and felt great out there. Starting the second week like this is really positive, I’m in good shape and highly motivated. I felt very comfortable on the bike today and my body feels good too. Today was super-fast but I just stayed focused and concentrated on my navigation. Overall, I think I did a really good job.”

Bouncing back in style from a tough end to week one, Canet demonstrated his exceptional pace and skill on Stage 7’s timed special. Following his 15th place start, Canet gradually increased his pace as he cut his way through the field to a runner-up finish. Although his overall position in the race was affected by his issues on Stage 5, Canet will continue to push and learn as the rally continues in week two. 

Edgar Canet: 
“Stage seven was really fast. I got lost right at the beginning, around kilometer 15, but after that, I was able to find my rhythm and get stuck in to chasing down the riders in front. I had a really good feeling with the bike and was able to take P2 on the stage, so I’m super-happy with how the day went. Luciano won today and Daniel was P4, so it was a great day for us. Now we have to open tomorrow and try to make as much time as we can.”

Sanders once again showed his skill, speed, and composure on Stage 7 of the Dakar. Regrouping from an early error, the Australian got his head down, focused, and began to reel in the two riders ahead of him. Not only did Sanders catch his rivals, but he also opened up enough of a gap to claim the available bonus time from 375km onwards. The impeccable performance earned him fourth on the stage and saw him increase his advantage at the top of the standings to four minutes and 25 seconds. 

Daniel Sanders: 
“I made one mistake at the start and lost two or three minutes, which was unfortunate. After that, it was hard to catch the guys in front because it was such a fast stage and difficult to make a difference. After the second refuel the leading riders on stage had slowed up to calculate the bonus, so I put the hammer down and pulled away to make sure they didn’t get any. I pushed as hard as I could to the finish. I feel good today, I rode well, and I’m just getting warmed up. The bike is working really well, my body feels strong, and I’m ready for a big day tomorrow.” 

Today’s Stage 8, which includes the longest timed special of the event at 481km, also features a liaison of 236km as the riders complete a loop around Wadi Ad-Dawasir.