Nasser Al-Attiyah Nears Historic Sixth Dakar Rally Title

Qatar's Nasser Al-Attiyah is poised for a sixth Dakar Rally victory after winning the penultimate stage in Saudi Arabia. He equaled the record for stage wins in the car category, now leading by 15 minutes with one day remaining. Other notable participants include Ricky Brabec and Nani Roma, among others.

Qatar's rally star, Nasser Al-Attiyah, appears set to celebrate his sixth Dakar Rally victory after triumphantly winning the penultimate 12th stage in the expansive Saudi Arabian desert. His victory expanded his lead to 15 minutes with a mere 105 kilometers left in the legendary race that concludes outside Yanbu on the Red Sea coast.

Al-Attiyah's latest win marks the 50th stage victory in his illustrious career, bringing him into an elite circle alongside Dakar legends like Ari Vatanen and Stephane Peterhansel. In the motorcycle category, Honda's American rider Ricky Brabec reclaimed the top position following a strategic retreat the day before to secure a more advantageous starting position.

Amidst the challenges, Ford's Nani Roma was beset by mechanical woes, expanding his deficit considerably. Despite breaking his front axle, Roma was aided by French teammate Romain Dumas, allowing him to reach the overnight bivouac without penalty. Meanwhile, Ford's Mattias Ekstrom holds third overall, with Dacia's Sebastien Loeb in close pursuit.

(With inputs from agencies.)