Saudi Arabia, January 19, 2024 – The 46th Dakar Rally, the 5th held in Saudi Arabia, has concluded after 4,700km of brutal special stages and a nearly 8,000km total journey. From AlUla’s ancient city to the Red Sea shores, riders, drivers, co-pilots, and crews battled through endless Empty Quarter dunes, testing their limits and the strength of their teams.
Brabec and Sainz Claim Top Honors:
BRABEC Ricky (usa), Monster Energy Honda Team, Honda, Motul, Moto, FIM W2RC, portrait finish line, arrivee, during the Stage 12 of the Dakar 2024 on January 19, 2024 around Yanbu, Saudi Arabia © A.S.O./F.Lefloc’h/DPPI
- American Ricky Brabec (Monster Energy Honda) secured his second Dakar title (after 2020) by outriding Ross Branch (Hero) on the first Indian bike to reach the podium. Adrien Van Beveren (Honda) rounded out the top three for his first career Dakar podium.
- In the car category, Carlos Sainz (hybrid Audi) unexpectedly triumphed. He defeated Sébastien Loeb (Peugeot) by 1 hour 20 minutes, his teammates Stéphane Peterhansel and Mattias Ekström playing crucial roles in his victory.
204 SAINZ Carlos (spa), CRUZ Lucas (spa), Team Audi Sport, Audi RS Q E-Tron E2, FIA Ultimate, FIA W2RC, action at the finish line of the Dakar 2024 on January 19, 2024 in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia – Photo Marcin Kin / DPPI © Marcin Kin / DPPI
Other Thrilling Victories:
306 GUTIERREZ HERRERO Cristina (spa), MORENO HUETE Pablo (spa), Red Bull Off-Road Junior Team USA by BFG, Taurus T3 Max, Motul, FIA Challenger, portrait during the Final Podium of the Dakar 2024 on January 19, 2024 in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia © A.S.O./J.Delfosse/DPPI
- Cristina Gutiérrez (Challenger class) became the first female Dakar champion since 2001, dethroning Mitch Guthrie at the very last stage.
- Xavier de Soultrait (SSV category) narrowly emerged victorious in his Polaris (Sébastien Loeb Racing team), providing a consolation for Loeb’s third place.
- In trucks, Martin Macík reclaimed the crown for the Czech Republic, 23 years after his uncle Aleš Loprais‘s 1999 win. Loprais finished second.
The Finish Line Awaits:
239 vehicles (out of 340 starters) reached Yanbu, including 96 bikes, 7 quads, 55 Ultimate cars, 3 Stock cars, 29 Challenger cars, 28 SSVs, and 21 trucks. 182 vehicles earned finisher medals for completing the entire route.
The 4th Dakar Classic saw 71 crews out of 78 vehicles finish, with Spaniard Carlos Santaolalla Milla claiming the regularity race win. Additionally, the Mission 1000 alternative engine technologies showcased potential future trends in Dakar competition.
