The 2025 Dakar Rally kicked off in Saudi Arabia with an unexpected twist, as Guerlain Chicherit from X-raid Mini clinched a remarkable victory in the very first stage. This edition of the rally promises fierce competition, and the opening 499-kilometer test around Bisha demonstrated that quite well.
From the outset, Chicherit established a commanding presence in his Mini JCW Rally 3.0i. As competitors set out on the winding course, Chicherit quickly built an impressive lead, seemingly taking control early on. Racing enthusiasts watched as his determination propelled him forward, creating a gap of over a minute from his nearest rivals. However, the challenge was far from over. The factory drivers from Toyota and their affiliated Overdrive team were hot on his trail, turning the stage into a gripping contest.
By the time they reached the 151-kilometer mark, the dynamics shifted dramatically. Lucas Moraes and Saood Variava sped past Chicherit, demonstrating the relentless pursuit characteristic of the Dakar Rally. The latter even found a brief moment of respite as both drivers jockeyed for position, with Chicherit dropping behind Guy Botterill temporarily. This fluid exchange of positions is a hallmark of the rally, showcasing not just speed but strategic ingenuity.
The real pulse-racing action of the stage commenced once again as Chicherit regained his footing. In a testament to his adaptability and determination, he began to claw back at Moraes, who had established himself as the leading contender for Toyota. In the final section of the stage, facing an 18-second deficit to Moraes, Chicherit implemented a series of deft maneuvers that showcased his driving prowess. His efforts culminated in earning his eighth career stage win at the Dakar, while simultaneously marking a significant achievement for Mini, their first top result in the rally since 2021.
Meanwhile, Moraes decided to employ a tactical approach by pausing for several minutes. This move, albeit risky, was aimed at securing a more advantageous starting position for the lengthy 48-hour chrono stage that would unfold across the next two days. This decision, while leading him to drop down the rankings, showed the strategic depth of top competitors, wherein long-term gains often outweigh short-term glory.
As Moraes receded in back rank, it opened the door for his fellow Toyota teammate Seth Quintero to claim second place, trailing Chicherit by 50 seconds. Variava rounding out the podium in third place further showcased Toyota’s strong performance during the stage. The late stage shakeup also saw Martin Prokop from the privateer Jipocar squad climb into a commendable fourth, followed by Cristina Gutierrez, who represented the Dacia Sandriders, and Joao Ferreira from Mini.
Among other noteworthy mentions was Carlos Sainz, making his debut for Ford. The revered veteran auto racer had a mixed day, initially falling to the bottom part of the top 30 before climbing back up to finish seventh overall—a solid showing despite trailing Chicherit by nearly eight minutes. Similarly, renowned former two-wheel champ Toby Price managed to secure ninth place with Overdrive Toyota, reflecting another strong performance from the Toyota contingent.
Despite the flurry of excitement, not all contenders finished where they had hoped. High-profile figures such as Ford’s Mattias Ekstrom and Nani Roma faced unexpected challenges, placing 16th and 18th, respectively. Even reigning champions like Dacia’s Nasser Al-Attiyah and the illustrious Sebastien Loeb experienced difficulties, with both choosing to halt their vehicles strategically in the latter stages. Such moves reflected a broader tactical framework at play, as drivers sought to reassess their positions and prospects moving forward.
As the competitors brace for a grueling 947-kilometer marathon stage devoid of external support, the stakes escalate. With no assistance allowed and every driver’s mettle tested, the true essence of the Dakar Rally is poised to unfold—where strategy, skill, and sheer willpower will dictate who rises to the top. It promises to be an electrifying two-day journey, leaving fans and drivers alike eagerly anticipating the next chapter of this iconic competition.