Home » Week 1 in Dakar: Lategan leads, Toyota dominates, and many top drivers face setbacks

Week 1 in Dakar: Lategan leads, Toyota dominates, and many top drivers face setbacks

The first week of the Dakar Rally has been eventful for the car category. The rest day offers a perfect moment to reflect on the opening week. Henk Lategan has emerged as one of the biggest surprises, leading the car standings in his Toyota Hilux for Gazoo Racing. Local hero Yazeed Al Rajhi, driving a Hilux for Overdrive Racing, is second, 10 minutes behind, while Mattias Ekström holds third in the Ford Raptor.

Toyota has started the Dakar Rally strong, with their improved and reliable vehicles. Every stage so far has been won by a Toyota Hilux. In addition to Lategan and Al Rajhi, three more Hilux drivers are in the top ten: Lucas Moraes (5th – Gazoo), Juan Cruz Yacopini (8th – Overdrive), and Seth Quintero (9th – Gazoo). While Toyota seems to have the best chances, nothing is guaranteed in the Dakar Rally.

Several top drivers have already faced crashes and mechanical issues. Last year’s winner, Carlos Sainz, is out of the rally after crashing his Ford Raptor, with roll cage damage too severe to continue. Sébastien Loeb (Dacia Sandrider) and Laia Sanz (Century CR6-T) are also out. Other big names no longer competing in the overall standings include Cristina Gutièrrez, Denis Krotov, Nani Roma, and Vladas Jurkevicius.

Nasser Al-Attiyah has faced minor issues but remains a contender in fourth place, 35 minutes behind the leader. The five-time winner will give his all in the second week as he aims to secure Dacia’s first Dakar victory.

The Dutch drivers

The Dutch competitors have had a mixed first week, adjusting to the rally’s challenges. Tim and Tom Coronel, driving their new Century CR7, faced some issues early on, causing delays. However, the twin brothers are in a respectable 24th place overall.

Ronald van Loon and Erik Lemmen sit in 28th place in their Red-Lined Revo T1+. They’ve stayed out of trouble, which has worked to their advantage.

Rik van den Brink and Gydo Heimans, debuting in the Dakar Rally, are in 40th place with their Century CR7. They prioritize finishing and are driving conservatively with minimal risks.

In 44th place are Maik Willems and Marcel Snijders in their Toyota Hilux. Willems, in his 11th Dakar, has opted for a cautious approach during the demanding first week.

Dave and Tessa Klaassen faced issues in the third stage when a control arm broke on their Red-Lined Revo T1+. They were forced to drive on asphalt to the bivouac, and now continue in the Dakar Experience, no longer competing in the overall standings.

Similarly, Stefan Carmans and Antonius van Tiel are out of the overall standings after facing problems during the fifth stage with their Red-Lined Revo T1+.

Challengers

The Challenger category has been dominated by the Taurus T3 Max vehicles developed by Dutch team Wevers Sport. Nicolás Cavigliasso leads the standings, with three stage wins and a 28-minute advantage.

Goncalo Guerreiro, a rookie, holds second place with consistent top-seven finishes, including two second-place and one third-place stage results.

Paul Spierings and Jan Pieter van der Stelt are in third, having won the second stage (the 48-hour stage). Spierings aims for a podium finish and is 43 minutes behind Cavigliasso.

Puck Klaassen and Charan Moore sit in 10th. Klaassen, competing with a Dutch license, is adapting quickly in her first serious Dakar, finishing daily in the top 20 in a G Rally Team OT3.

Lex Peters and Mark Salomons, driving the Arcane T3 developed by Hans Weijs Motorsport, are 18th overall, maintaining steady top-30 finishes.

Gert-Jan van der Valk and Branco de Lange are in 21st place in another Arcane vehicle. After early technical issues, they’re climbing steadily and aiming for the finish in the second week.

Richard Aczel and Wouter Rosegaar, debuting in the Dakar, are 28th overall. Their focus is on learning as much as possible and reaching the finish.

Marinus Streppel and Lisette Bakker have faced ups and downs, failing to finish the second and fourth stages. They are no longer competing in the overall standings but are gaining valuable experience in the Dakar Experience.

SSVs

The SSV category began with intense competition between rookies and experienced drivers. Over the first week, minor mistakes and issues reshaped the standings. Brock Heger, driving a Yamaha RZR, leads the category. The debutant has been remarkably consistent, finishing every stage in the top three with two stage wins, and holds a lead of 1 hour and 18 minutes over teammate Xavier de Soultrait.

Last year’s winner, De Soultrait, faced problems during the fourth stage, costing him time. He has already won a stage and won’t back down in the second week.

In third is Alexandre Pinto, another debutant, driving a Can-Am Maverick. He’s been consistent, sitting 1 hour and 34 minutes behind the leader.

Roger Grouwels and Rudolf Meijer are in seventh place overall. After two early retirements, they are on an upward trajectory and now sit in the top ten.

Sander Derikx and Marnix Leeuw are 16th and staying close to Grouwels. They’re driving a solid rally and could move up the standings in the second week.

Photos: Toyota Gazoo Racing / ASO / DPPI / Brinky Rallysport

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