The 2026 Dakar Rally continued on Stage 2 with a demanding test through rocky desert terrain, as competitors battled extreme conditions and long distances in the early fight for overall position. With much of the rally still ahead, Stage 2 rewarded controlled speed and accurate navigation while punishing even small mistakes.
The motorcycle category delivered another tightly contested stage, with factory riders again dominating the front of the field. Stage winner Daniel Sanders set a strong pace throughout the special, while several overall contenders chose a measured approach to avoid opening future stages. Stage 1 winner Edgar Canet finished second and Ricky Brabec third.
In the car category, a fast and clean run proved decisive as leading teams traded fastest sector times across the stage. Toyota’s strength was evident at the front with Seth Quintero taking a big Stage 2 win. His teammate Henk Lategan also joined him on the podium in second. Completing the Toyota sweep was Yazeed Al-Rajhi.
In SSV, experience and consistency paid off on the rough Stage 2 route. Several crews lost time to mechanical issues, while the leaders managed the terrain effectively to build an early advantage including Brock Heger who claimed today’s win. Francisco “Chaleco” López finished second and Xavier de Soultrait was third.
