Stage 2 of the Dakar Rally 2026 marks the first true relocation of the event. After two days based around Yanbu, the competitors head inland towards AlUla. This stage brings a clear change in scenery and combines long distances with highly varied terrain. Rhythm, awareness, and preserving the vehicle are just as important here as outright speed.
The total distance of stage 2 is 504 kilometres. Of that, 400 kilometres make up the timed special. The liaison before the start of the special is 104 kilometres, but there is no liaison after the finish, as the special ends right at the entrance of the bivouac in AlUla. For the competitors, this means another long and demanding day of racing.
Start times and daily schedule
The motorbikes leave the bivouac in Yanbu early in the morning, with the first riders departing at 05:40. They are followed by the cars and trucks starting at 08:10. The timed special begins at 07:25 for the bikes and at 09:55 for the FIA categories. Finish times are expected to stretch into the early evening, depending on category and pace.
Mixed terrain and clear rhythm shifts in the stage
Stage 2 is defined by a constant shift in terrain and tempo. The route initially leads through the Hejaz mountains, featuring rocky tracks, narrow passages, and fluctuating speeds. These early kilometres demand precision and patience. As the stage progresses, the landscape opens up into wider sandy plains where the pace can increase significantly.
Around the midpoint of the special, there is a neutralisation zone which also functions as a service point for FIA vehicles. After this, the character of the stage changes once more. The route continues through wadis with variable grip, some still slightly damp, followed by fast sandy valleys and undulating plateaus. In the final section, the competitors encounter narrower canyons and several short dune stretches before reaching the finish near AlUla. The organisers stress that even though the second half of the stage is faster, vigilance is key due to hidden hazards and sudden changes in direction.
Key points and special notes
The stage briefing highlights several dangerous areas, particularly in narrow mountain passes and wadis with limited visibility. In the early part of the stage, overtaking requires extra caution, especially on narrow tracks where the Sentinel system is used. Later on, water and eroded ruts in the wadis may catch competitors off guard. The final run towards AlUla allows for higher speeds but still includes technical sections where mistakes can be severely punished.
Stage openers for stage 2
Among the bikes, Edgar Canet will open stage 2 after his strong performance in the previous stage. Right behind him are Daniel Sanders, Ricky Brabec, Tosha Schareina, and Luciano Benavides. These top riders face the unenviable task of navigating the technical early part of the route.
In the car category, Guillaume de Mévius will be the first to start the special, followed by Nasser Al Attiyah and Martin Prokop. Other big names like Mattias Ekström, Carlos Sainz, and Sébastien Loeb will also start early, making the opening part of the stage immediately significant for the overall standings.
The transition from Yanbu to AlUla promises a stage where insight, experience, and constant focus will make the difference.
