On Wednesday, January 7, 2026, the Saudi Arabian desert witnessed a new chapter of excitement and challenge in the Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia 2026, with the start of the fourth stage, a true test of the drivers' abilities and the durability of their vehicles. This stage began in the historic Al-Ula region, with its unique rocky terrain, and continued to the Marathon Camp, covering a total distance of 530 kilometers, including 452 kilometers of timed special stage, making it one of the pivotal stages of this year's race.
Clash of the Titans and a change in the rankings
In the car category, the competition was fierce, with South African driver Henk Latigan, representing the Toyota Gazoo team, turning the tables in his favor. Latigan finished the stage in first place with a time of 4 hours, 47 minutes, and 8 seconds, 7 minutes and 3 seconds ahead of his fierce rival, Qatari Nasser Al-Attiyah, driving a Dacia Sandrider. This stunning performance not only secured Latigan the stage victory but also propelled him to the top of the overall rally standings with a total time of 16 hours, 29 minutes, and 15 seconds, pushing Al-Attiyah to second place by a mere 4 minutes, while Swede Mattias Ekström finished third overall.
Marathon Challenge: A Test of Patience and Endurance
Stage four is of paramount strategic importance as it constitutes the first part of the "marathon stage." In the Dakar Rally, these stages are considered the most challenging, with competitors prohibited from receiving any external assistance or support from service teams at the end of the day. This rule places drivers under immense psychological and technical pressure, as they must maintain the mechanical integrity of their vehicles to ensure the completion of the next stage, adding a tactical dimension to the race that goes beyond mere speed.
He excelled in other categories and had a notable Saudi presence
The excitement wasn't limited to the main car category. In the Stock category, veteran Frenchman Stéphane Peterhansel proved his mettle by taking first place. On the motorcycle side, the Honda Energy team dominated thanks to Spanish rider Tosha Sharina, who topped the stage. In the Challenger desert vehicle category, Saudi driver Dania Aqeel made a strong impression, delivering a commendable performance by finishing third, behind leader Nicolás Cavigliaso of Argentina. This reflects the development of motorsports in the Kingdom and the active participation of women.
The road to Hail
All eyes will be on the fifth stage tomorrow, Thursday, January 8th, which will complete the second part of the marathon, starting from the bivouac and finishing in the city of Hail. At 427 kilometers, this stage will be crucial for consolidating the lead or closing the time gaps, especially with separate routes for cars and motorcycles, increasing navigational difficulty and raising the stakes in one of the toughest desert rallies in the world.
