Kevin Benavides won the twelfth stage of the 2026 Dakar Rally in the Challenger category. The Argentinian was the fastest on the route from Al Henakiyah to Yanbu, securing his team’s second stage win of this edition. While the day’s victory went to Argentina, Pau Navarro maintained control of the race to secure his leading position in the overall standings. In the SSV class, the stage took a dramatic turn for Johan Kristoffersson, while Brock Heger methodically advanced toward his second consecutive title.
Battle to the last meter in the Challengers
It was another day of razor-thin margins in the Challenger class. Kevin Benavides and Saudi Arabia’s Dania Akeel fought a battle of seconds over the 311-kilometer special. Benavides ultimately came out on top with a time of 3 hours, 44 minutes, and 52 seconds, finishing 2 minutes and 15 seconds ahead of Akeel. For Akeel, this was her sixth podium finish of the rally, though a home victory remains elusive. Argentina’s David Zille completed the podium, finishing over three and a half minutes behind his compatriot Benavides.
Puck Klaassen impresses at the top of the field
Puck Klaassen once again proved she belongs among the absolute elite. The Dutch driver had a flying start and was already clocked in fifth place at the first checkpoint after 45 kilometers. She maintained this high pace throughout the day and ultimately finished the stage in fourth place, just 4 minutes and 1 second behind the winner. This result solidifies her fifth position in the overall standings. Lex Peters also had a solid day, bringing his G-Ecko across the finish line in 12th place, 24 minutes behind.
Kees Koolen finished 12th in 24:21, 5 seconds faster than Peters. Pim Klaassen finished 17th in 43:55. Paul Spierings started the stage quickly and competed for a podium place, but he paused briefly and then slowed down. He finished only 20th, 53:51 behind. Riné Streppel finished 25th at 1:19:08. Henri van Steenbergen and Dick van Culenborg had problems along the way and have not yet finished.
Navarro remains sovereign in the standings
Overall leader Pau Navarro rode a tactical stage. Although he finished the day in eighth place and conceded some time to his closest rival, Yasir Seaidan, the damage was limited. The Spaniard still holds a comfortable lead of 25 minutes and 53 seconds over Seaidan in the general classification. Nicolás Cavigliasso follows in third place, nearly 38 minutes behind, just ahead of Chilean Lucas del Rio. With only one short stage remaining, the victory seems almost certain for Navarro.
Drama for Kristoffersson in the SSV class
In the SSV category, Johan Kristoffersson appeared unstoppable and on course for the stage win for much of the day. The Swedish rallycross champion led at every checkpoint until disaster struck after 250 kilometers. Kristoffersson rolled his vehicle. Though the crew escaped unharmed and continued toward Yanbu, his chances of victory were dashed. Jeremías González Ferioli capitalized on the Swede’s misfortune and seized the stage win in 3 hours, 51 minutes, and 36 seconds. He finished 6 and 7 minutes ahead of João Monteiro and Hunter Miller, respectively.
Heger on course for title defense
Brock Heger, the strong favorite for the overall win, took no risks today. The American finished sixth, 12 minutes behind the stage winner, but kept his direct rival, Kyle Chaney, firmly in his sights. Heger maintains a commanding lead of 1 hour, 3 minutes, and 46 seconds over Chaney in the overall standings. Xavier de Soultrait is in third place, followed by João Monteiro and stage winner González Ferioli. Heger’s second consecutive Dakar title is now within reach.
Richard Aczel and Wouter Rosegaar finished 20th today, at 1:29:16.
