The thirteenth and final stage of the Dakar Rally 2026 wraps up the event with a compact but technically challenging loop around Yanbu. After nearly two weeks of rally raid, the focus is no longer on creating big time gaps but on staying sharp, avoiding mistakes, and safely reaching the finish line and the podium at the Red Sea. The organizers have deliberately chosen a relatively short stage, but one that demands full concentration until the very last kilometer.
The total distance of Stage 13 is 138 kilometers, of which 105 kilometers are timed special stage. The day begins with a 33-kilometer liaison from the bivouac in Yanbu to the start of the stage. After the finish, no further liaison is required as the finish line, parc ferm,é and podium ceremony all take place in the same area. There is no service section included in the final stage.
Start times and schedule
The bikes leave the bivouac first at 08:30. Cars and trucks follow from 11:35. The special stage starts at 09:30 for the bike category and at 12:35 for the FIA classes. Due to the short length of the stage, the first finishers are expected early in the afternoon, after which attention turns to the podium and the official closing ceremony in Yanbu.
Stage characteristics and specific features
Stage 13 is designed as a fast and straightforward finale. Around seventy percent of the route consists of dirt tracks, complemented by sand and short rocky segments. Dunes are no longer a factor, and tarmac is only found in the liaison section. The terrain is mostly flat and open, allowing for high speeds, but navigation remains important due to multiple course changes and parallel tracks.
The stage features a smooth rhythm with flowing corners, short sandy parts and some technical transitions. The main risk lies in underestimating it. After nearly two weeks of Dakar and with the finish line in sight, fatigue and loss of focus can easily lead to mistakes. The organization has marked vigilance zones at narrow passages and transitions to rougher terrain.
Who opens the final stage
In the bike category, Ricky Brabec will be the first rider to open the final stage. He is followed by Luciano Benavides and Tosha Schareina, with Adrien Van Beveren, Michael Docherty and Ross Branch also starting near the front. These riders will set the pace on the short but fast special.
In the car category, Nasser Al Attiyah opens the stage in the Dacia Sandrider. He is followed by Mitch Guthrie, Toby Price and Mattias Ekström. Sébastien Loeb, Henk Lategan, Carlos Sainz and Seth Quintero are also among the front starters. In the truck category, Mitchel van den Brink, Vaidotas Zala, Martin Macik and Ales Loprais are among the first to begin the final day, followed by a large group of Dutch teams.
Focus until the finish at the Red Sea
Stage 13 is not a day to take major risks, but it is a stage that demands full focus. The short distance, high pace and technical sections make it a typical Dakar finale where everything comes together.
