yazeed Al Rajhi Makes History as First Saudi to Win Dakar Rally 2025
In a thrilling conclusion to teh Dakar Rally 2025, Saudi driver Yazeed al Rajhi etched his name into the annals of motorsport history by becoming the first Saudi Arabian to win the prestigious event. Driving an Overdrive, Al Rajhi clinched victory in the car category after a nail-biting battle with South Africa’s Henk Lategan and Sweden’s Mattias ekström. The 43-year-old’s triumph marks a monumental moment for Saudi Arabia, the host nation of the rally, and caps off an incredible comeback story.
A Rocky Start and a Stunning Comeback
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Al Rajhi’s journey to victory was anything but smooth. After a disastrous first stage, where he lost over thirteen minutes and finished twenty-first, the Saudi driver began a remarkable resurgence. “Twenty-first after the first stage after losing more than thirteen minutes,he began his comeback from the second stage and then never left the first four places in the ranking,” the report highlights.
His relentless pursuit of the lead saw him overtake Lategan during the ninth stage, only to relinquish it again last Wednesday. However, Lategan’s struggles in the dunes on Thursday proved decisive. A breakdown allowed Al Rajhi to regain the lead, setting the stage for a dramatic final day.
The Final showdown
Entering the final stage with a six-minute lead, Al Rajhi played it safe, finishing seventh in the stage but securing the overall victory. “he won the Dakar, with his German co-driver Timo Gottschalk, 3’57 ahead of Lategan and 20’21 over Mattias Ekström, who gave Ford its very first podium,” the report states.
The final standings showcased Al Rajhi’s dominance, with Lategan finishing second and Ekström rounding out the podium. Notably,French driver Mathieu Serradori achieved his best-ever Dakar result,finishing sixth,more than an hour behind the winner.
A Historic Moment for Saudi Arabia
Al Rajhi’s victory is a landmark achievement for Saudi Arabia, a nation that has embraced the Dakar Rally since it moved to the region. His win not only highlights his skill and determination but also underscores the growing prominence of Saudi drivers in international motorsport.
Final Standings: Dakar Rally 2025
| Position | Driver – Co-Driver (Nationality/Team) | Time Behind Winner |
|———-|—————————————|——————–|
| 1 | Yazeed Al Rajhi – Timo Gottschalk (SAU-ALL/Overdrive) | 52h52’15 |
| 2 | henk Lategan – Brett Cummings (AFS/Toyota) | +3’57 |
| 3 | Mattias Ekström – Emil Bergvist (SUE/Ford M-sport) | +20’21 |
| 4 | Nasser Al-Attiyah – Edouard Boulanger (QAT-FRA/Dacia) | +23’58 |
| 5 | Mitchell guthrie – Kellon Walch (USA/Ford M-Sport) | +1h02 |
| 6 | Mathieu Serradori – Loïc Minaudier (FRA/Century Racing) | +1h12 |
A Legacy Cemented
Yazeed Al Rajhi’s victory is a testament to perseverance and skill. After eleven attempts, three retirements, and near-misses in previous years, he has finally claimed the Dakar crown. As the rally caravan moves forward,Al Rajhi’s name will forever be synonymous with a historic moment in the Dakar Rally saga.
For more updates on the Dakar Rally and its competitors, visit the official Dakar website.
Yazeed Al Rajhi’s Historic Dakar Rally 2025 Victory: A Conversation with Motorsport Expert James Carter
The 2025 Dakar Rally will forever be remembered as the year Yazeed Al Rajhi, the Saudi Arabian driver, made history by becoming the first from his nation too win the grueling event. with a blend of perseverance, skill, and strategic brilliance, Al Rajhi’s triumph has cemented his legacy in motorsport. To delve deeper into this monumental achievement,Senior Editor of world-today-news.com, Sarah thompson, sat down with renowned motorsport analyst and historian James Carter to discuss the importance of this victory, the challenges Al Rajhi overcame, and its impact on Saudi Arabia’s growing presence in motorsport.
The Rocky Road to Victory
Sarah Thompson: James, let’s start with the beginning of Al rajhi’s journey in this year’s rally. He faced a disastrous first stage, losing over thirteen minutes and finishing twenty-first. How did he manage to turn things around?
James Carter: It’s a captivating story, Sarah. That first stage coudl’ve been a confidence breaker for any driver, but Al Rajhi showed amazing resilience. From the second stage onward, he consistently pushed himself into the top four positions. His ability to stay focused and maintain momentum despite such a setback is a testament to his mental strength and experience. He didn’t let one bad stage define his rally; instead, he used it as motivation to fight back.
The Decisive moments in the Rally
Sarah Thompson: The rally seemed to pivot during the ninth stage when Al Rajhi overtook Henk Lategan, only to lose the lead again later. What were the key moments that defined his eventual victory?
James Carter: The ninth stage was crucial. Al Rajhi’s overtake of lategan showed his strategic brilliance and ability to capitalize on opportunities. However,the real turning point came on Thursday when Lategan encountered issues in the dunes. Al Rajhi seized the moment, regaining the lead and holding onto it with unwavering determination. The final stage was a masterclass in risk management—Al rajhi played it safe, ensuring he didn’t jeopardize his position while maintaining his lead to the finish line.
A Historic Achievement for Saudi Arabia
sarah Thompson: Al Rajhi’s victory is not just a personal milestone but also a meaningful moment for Saudi Arabia. What does this win mean for the nation and its growing involvement in motorsport?
James Carter: This is a landmark moment for Saudi Arabia. as the host nation of the Dakar Rally, the victory holds even greater significance. It highlights the country’s commitment to motorsport and its ability to produce world-class talent. Al Rajhi’s success inspires a new generation of saudi drivers and reinforces the nation’s position as a key player in the global motorsport arena. Additionally,it showcases the progress Saudi Arabia has made in promoting and developing motorsport infrastructure and talent.
Al Rajhi’s Legacy in the Dakar Rally
Sarah Thompson: After eleven attempts, three retirements, and several near-misses, Al Rajhi has finally claimed the Dakar crown. how would you describe the legacy he leaves behind?
James Carter: Al Rajhi’s legacy is one of perseverance,resilience,and excellence. His journey to this victory is a story of never giving up, no matter the odds. He’s proven that with determination and skill,even the most challenging goals can be achieved. His name will now be forever etched in the history of the Dakar Rally, not just as the first Saudi winner but as a symbol of what can be accomplished through hard work and tenacity.
Looking Ahead
Sarah Thompson: James, what does this victory mean for the future of the Dakar Rally and the sport of off-road racing?
James Carter: Al rajhi’s victory adds another layer of excitement and global appeal to the Dakar Rally.It shows that the event continues to be a platform for diverse talent and thrilling competition. For off-road racing, this win underscores the importance of strategy, adaptability, and teamwork. It also sets the stage for more regional talents to emerge and compete on the world stage, further diversifying and enriching the sport.
For more insights and updates on the Dakar Rally, visit the official Dakar website.
