Following the grueling marathon stage, Stage 6 of the Dakar Rally 2026 is now on the schedule. This long transition day takes the competitors from Ha’il to Riyadh and marks the end of the first race week. The stage is characterized by an exceptionally early start, vast distances, and a route that unfolds entirely in the sand, demanding speed, rhythm, and endurance.
The total distance of Stage 6 is 915 kilometers. It begins with a 322-kilometer liaison, followed by a 326-kilometer timed special. After the finish of the stage, a final liaison of 267 kilometers leads to the bivouac in Riyadh. The structure of the day makes it particularly demanding, with many participants expected to arrive late in the evening.
Start times and daily schedule
The day begins very early in Ha’il. Bikes are the first to leave the bivouac at 04:00, followed by the cars and trucks from 06:10. After the long liaison, the special for the bikes starts at 08:30. The FIA categories begin their timed section later, with the first car rolling off at 10:40. Although the schedule is spaciously laid out, the sheer length of the day puts both man and machine to the test.
Stage characteristics and key details
Stage 6 is a full sand stage. After departing the Ha’il region in the dark, competitors head south. About two-thirds into the early liaison, a fuel stop is scheduled. Upon reaching the Qassim region, the nature of the terrain changes drastically as the hard-packed ground disappears. From that point onward, the stage is almost entirely run on sand.
The route alternates between high-speed sections over large dunes and fast sandy tracks through wide open erg areas. The roadbook includes multiple sections marked with broken dunes where the pace must drop considerably. Recent rainfall has led to temporary camps being set up along the route, requiring extra alertness. The final part of the special features rapid tracks, followed by a long liaison into Riyadh, where a well-deserved rest day awaits.
Who opens stage 6
Among the motorbikes, Luciano Benavides is the first to take the start. He is followed by Ignacio Cornejo and Daniel Sanders, with riders such as Tosha Schareina, Ricky Brabec, and Ross Branch close behind. They will be responsible for opening the track in the sand and largely setting the rhythm of the stage.
In the car category, Mitch Guthrie leads off the stage in the Ford Raptor. Behind him, Nani Roma and Martin Prokop will follow, trailed by Lucas Moraes, Mattias Ekström, and Carlos Sainz. Sébastien Loeb, Nasser Al Attiyah, and Henk Lategan are also set to start relatively early, adding an extra layer of strategic complexity to the sandy terrain.
Long day leading into the Rest Day
Stage 6 serves as the transition to the rest day in Riyadh, but should by no means be underestimated. The combination of an extremely early start, extensive liaison sections, and a punishing sand special makes this stage a real test of endurance. Those who remain focused and avoid trouble will head into the second week of the Dakar Rally 2026 in a strong position.
