Quintero dominates and Variawa surprises at the start of Dakar 2025

The 2025 Dakar Rally has brought new energy to the Ultimate category, where young drivers are making their mark on challenging terrain. Seth Quintero, at 22 years old, led the day after delivering an impeccable performance over the 412 kilometers of Bisha. His determination was evident when he stopped to assist Laia Sanz after an accident, a gesture rewarded by the officials with a time restitution, securing him the top position of the day.

Meanwhile, Saood Variawa, 19 years old, reaffirmed his potential by finishing third, just 1 minute and 45 seconds behind Quintero. Both, as part of the Toyota team, are redefining the landscape of the category, proving that youth can compete at the highest level.

A difficult debut for Baciuška

Not all young drivers had a favorable start. Rokas Baciuška, making his debut in the Ultimate category with a Toyota Hilux, faced significant challenges in the first stage. A mechanical problem at kilometer 310 left him out of contention for the top positions, putting him over two hours behind the leaders.

The Lithuanian driver, known for his successes in SSV and Challenger, entered the Dakar with high expectations. Now, he will need to rethink his approach to stay competitive and learn from this initial experience in a category that demands precision and endurance at the highest level.

Strategy plays a crucial role

In the Ultimate category, tactical decisions have been fundamental. Some favorites, like Carlos Sainz, chose a more controlled pace to secure strategic starting positions for upcoming stages. This approach was also reflected in the performances of Nasser Al-Attiyah and Sébastien Loeb, who positioned themselves far from the top spots, prioritizing better placements for the next timed stage.

Meanwhile, Guerlain Chicherit, at 46 years old, adopted a different strategy, seeking to leverage his experience to remain competitive. Although he didn’t achieve the desired result, the Frenchman remains a strong contender for the key stages that will shape the course of the competition.

An evolving category

The Ultimate category of the 2025 Dakar Rally is not only showcasing the rise of young talents but also highlighting the adaptation of veterans to a dynamic environment. New competitors are reshaping the competition, driven by the technical support of their teams and their ambition to establish themselves in the elite of rally raid.