Toyota’s Lategan Shines in Dakar Prologue Stage
The 2025 Dakar Rally kicked off with a thrilling Prologue stage on Friday, featuring a heart-pounding 29km/18 miles against the clock around the Start Camp in Bisha, Saudi Arabia. Excitement filled the air as drivers revved up their engines, ready to showcase their skills and set the tone for the grueling race ahead.
Lategan Leads the Pack
In the Ultimate class, Henk Lategan stole the show, dominating the Prologue stage in his Toyota Hilux. The South African ace left his competitors in the dust, edging out the V8-powered Ford Raptor T1+ of Mattias Ekstrom by a mere second. With five-time Dakar Rally champion Nasser Al-Attiyah hot on his heels in third place with his Dacia Sandrider, the competition was fierce from the get-go.
American Rookie Makes Waves
Not to be outdone, American rookie Corbin Leaverton made a strong statement by clinching victory in the Challenger and SSV category. Behind the wheel of his Taurus T3 Max, Leaverton blazed through the course, securing the top spot and earning himself a favorable starting position for the upcoming stages. His unexpected triumph left him pleasantly surprised and eager to tackle the challenges that lie ahead.
Sanders Sets the Pace in Bikes
On two wheels, Daniel Sanders of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing proved his mettle by emerging as the fastest biker on the Prologue Stage. The Australian dynamo navigated the treacherous terrain with finesse, crossing the finish line in less than 17 minutes and setting the bar high for his competitors. With a stellar performance under his belt, Sanders looks ahead to the demanding stages with confidence and determination.
As the dust settles on the Prologue stage, anticipation mounts for the intense battles and breathtaking moments that await in the days to come. With each competitor vying for glory and pushing the limits of endurance, the 2025 Dakar Rally promises to be a spectacle like no other. Stay tuned as the world’s best off-road racers continue their quest for victory in the unforgiving desert sands of Saudi Arabia.