Toyota’s Dakar Redemption and the Rising Tide of Competition
The 2026 Dakar Rally is already delivering on its promise of drama, and Stage 2 proved to be a pivotal day. For Toyota, it was a much-needed rebound after a challenging start plagued by punctures. But the stage also ignited debate over the starting order and its impact on race strategy, a recurring theme in the world’s toughest rally.
Toyota’s Strong Showing: A Shift in Momentum?
Yesterday’s struggles felt distant as Toyota’s GR Hilux T1+ vehicles dominated the 400km stretch to Al-Ula. Seth Quintero and Andrew Short secured a decisive stage win, followed closely by Henk Lategan and Brett Cummings. This 1-2 finish, extended to a 1-2-3-4 with Yazeed Al-Rajhi and Toby Price also placing highly, signals a significant shift in momentum for the Japanese manufacturer. It’s a testament to their engineering prowess and a clear response to early setbacks.
“If you’re fighting with your teammates for the victory, that means you’re having a good day. Today was a good day. I think we’re on the right track. Obviously, we’ve worked a lot on the strategy, so if tomorrow I have a good day and I’m in the middle of the pack at the start of the marathon, I’ll be very happy.” – Seth Quintero
Quintero’s confidence is palpable, and his ability to perform under pressure, honed in the T3 category, is clearly translating to success in the Ultimate class. The willingness to push even knowing a stage win meant taking the lead and opening the track for the crucial Marathon stage demonstrates a bold strategy.
The Marathon Stage Looms: Strategy and Navigation are Key
The upcoming Marathon stage – a grueling test of endurance and self-reliance – will be a defining moment in the rally. Teams will be responsible for their own repairs and maintenance without external assistance. This places an even greater emphasis on reliability and strategic tire management. Nasser Al-Attiyah, now leading the general classification, recognizes the challenge.
“It was a good day. I’m very happy not to have gone out of control from the beginning, without punctures. This is what we have to do for the next two or three days and then find our rhythm. The key to the Dakar will be tomorrow, because I think the navigation will be difficult. This area is not easy.” – Nasser Al-Attiyah
Al-Attiyah’s comments highlight the importance of careful driving and precise navigation in the challenging terrain ahead. The Marathon stage isn’t just about speed; it’s about minimizing risks and preserving equipment.
Ford Faces Challenges, While Dacia Makes Gains
While Toyota celebrated, Ford experienced a frustrating day. Carlos Sainz and Nani Roma both suffered punctures, impacting their overall position. This underscores the inherent risks of the Dakar, where even the most experienced drivers can fall victim to unforeseen circumstances. Conversely, Dacia is making a strong impression, with Al-Attiyah’s overall lead demonstrating the potential of their Sandrider prototype. Sébastien Loeb’s consistent performance further solidifies Dacia’s position as a contender.
The performance of the new Dacia Sandrider is particularly noteworthy. It represents a significant investment in rally raid technology and a clear signal of the manufacturer’s ambition to challenge the established order. Motorsport.com provides a detailed technical analysis of the Sandrider, highlighting its innovative design features.
The Spanish Contingent: Sanz and Esteve Shine
The Spanish contingent is also making its mark on the rally. Laia Sanz continues to impress with her consistent performance aboard the EBRO, while Isidre Esteve, driving a former Toyota Gazoo Racing Hilux, is demonstrating his experience and skill. However, Esteve voiced concerns about the starting order, arguing that being forced to start further back in the pack after a good qualifying result puts drivers at a disadvantage due to dust and traffic. This issue is expected to be addressed in a meeting with ASO and FIA officials.
Did you know? Laia Sanz is a multi-time world champion in trials, enduro, and rally raid, showcasing her versatility as a motorcycle and car racer.
Current Standings and What to Expect
As the rally progresses, the general classification is tightening. Al-Attiyah leads Quintero by a mere 7 seconds, setting the stage for an intense battle in the coming stages. Guillaume De Mevius, Lategan, and Loeb round out the top five. Carlos Sainz remains within striking distance, but needs to minimize further setbacks.
Stage 3 promises another 422km of competitive action within a total distance of 666km. Expect more drama, strategic maneuvering, and a relentless test of both man and machine.
Stage 2 – Rally Dakar 2026: Top 10
| Pos | Name | Make | Time | Gap |
| 1 | 203 – S. QUINTERO (USA) | TOYOTA | HILUX GR | 3h57m16s | +00:00:00 |
| 2 | 202 – H. LATEGAN (RSA) | TOYOTA | HILUX GR | 3h58m58s | +00:01:42 |
| 3 | 201 – Y. AL RAJHI (KSA) | TOYOTA | HILUX GR | 3h59m12s | +00:01:56 |
| 4 | 204 – T. PRICE (AUS) | TOYOTA | HILUX GR | 4h01m52s | +00:04:36 |
| 5 | 240 – J. FERREIRA (POR) | TOYOTA | HILUX IMT EVO | 4h02m12s | +00:04:56 |
| 6 | 234 – S. VITSE (FRA) | OPTIMUS MD | RALLYE | 4h03m02s | +00:05:46 |
| 7 | 219 – S. LOEB (FRA) | DACIA | SANDRIDER | 4h03m23s | +00:06:07 |
| 8 | 299 – N. AL-ATTIYAH (QAT) | DACIA | SANDRIDER | 4h03m47s | +00:06:31 |
| 9 | 209 – M. GOCZAL (POL) | TOYOTA | HILUX | 4h03m58s | +00:06:42 |
| 10 | 213 – S. VARIAWA (RSA) | TOYOTA | HILUX IMT EVO | 4h04m46s | +00:07:30 |
General Classification After Stage 2 – Rally Dakar 2026
| Pos | Name | Make | Time | Gap |
| 1 | 299 – N. AL-ATTIYAH (QAT) | DACIA | SANDRIDER | 7h12m16s | +00:00:00 |
| 2 | 203 – S. QUINTERO (USA) | TOYOTA | HILUX GR | 7h12m23s | +00:00:07 |
| 3 | 222 – G. DE MÉVIUS (BEL) | MINI | JCW RALLY 3.0I | 7h13m25s | +00:01:09 |
| 4 | 202 – H. LATEGAN (RSA) | TOYOTA | HILUX GR | 7h13m44s | +00:01:28 |
| 5 | 219 – S. LOEB (FRA) | DACIA | SANDRIDER | 7h14m13s | +00:01:57 |
Pro Tip: Follow live timing and tracking on the official Dakar Rally website (https://www.dakar.com/) to stay up-to-date with the latest developments.
FAQ
- What is the Marathon Stage? A stage where teams have limited or no external assistance, requiring them to perform all repairs and maintenance themselves.
- Why is the starting order important? The first vehicle to start a stage has to break trail, facing slower speeds and increased risk of punctures.
- What are the key challenges in the Dakar Rally? Navigation, mechanical reliability, physical endurance, and adapting to unpredictable terrain.
What are your predictions for Stage 3? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Explore more Dakar Rally coverage here.
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates and exclusive insights.
