In the coverage of Dakar Rally 2024, action unfolds across the diverse landscapes of Saudi Arabia. The 46th Dakar Rally concluded with the final stage on January 19, 2024. Carlos Sainz, driving the futuristic Audi RS Q e-tron equipped with electric drivetrains, made history by winning the rally, covering 5,000km of challenging terrains. Sainz’s strategic prowess and determination secured his fourth Dakar title. Sébastien Loeb secured third place in the Ultimate category, while Guillaume de Mévius finished second in his Toyota Hilux Overdrive.
In the Challenger class, Spaniard Cristina Gutiérrez and co-driver Pablo Moreno overcame a 25-minute deficit to win their first Dakar title, making Gutiérrez the first woman to win since 2001. The Dakar proved to be a tough challenge, with podium ceremonies in Yanbu honoring competitors and finishers.
The overall standings after Stage 12 are as follows:
Ultimate Car:
1. Carlos Sainz (ESP) 48h 15m 18s
2. Guillaume De Mevius (BEL) +1h 20m 25s
3. Sébastien Loeb (FRA) +1h 29m 12s
Challenger Car:
1. Cristina Gutiérrez (ESP) 53h 59m 47s
2. Mitch Guthrie Jr. (USA) +36m 46s
3. Rokas Baciuška (LTU) +58m 47s
Bike:
1. Ricky Brabec (USA) 51h 30m 08s
2. Ross Branch (BWA) +10m 53s
3. Adrien Van Beveren (FRA) +12m 25s
The Dakar Rally once again proved to be the ultimate motorsport challenge, taking competitors through the deserts of Saudi Arabia.