Dakar 2025: Narrow victory for Seth Quintero on stage 5

The fifth stage of the Dakar 2025, between AlUla and Hail, featured a 428-kilometer route combining sandy tracks with rocky and volcanic sections. This terrain required precision in navigation and extreme care to avoid mechanical issues.

Seth Quintero and the Al Attiyah incident

Seth Quintero claimed his second victory in cars by beating Nasser Al Attiyah by one second after the Qatari received a penalty for losing a spare wheel. Dacia, with its quick-release wheel system, faced a technical issue resulting in the penalty. This outcome highlights the risks of relying on mechanical innovations under extreme conditions. Additionally, Quintero was recognized for helping Carlos Sainz Sr. in the initial stage, further solidifying his overall performance in this edition.

Overall standings and progress in other categories

Henk Lategan leads in cars with a 10-minute advantage over Yazeed Al Rajhi, while Mattias Ekström holds third place. In SSV, Francisco "Chaleco" López claimed another stage victory, though Heger Brock remains at the top of the general classification. Yasir Seaidan won in Challenger, consolidating his position among the top drivers, while Nicolás Cavigliasso leads his category convincingly. In trucks, Martin Macík remains unbeatable with his fourth consecutive victory, extending his lead over Michel van den Brink.

Tight competition in the Dakar Classic

Carlos Santaolalla secured his eleventh stage win in the Classic category, standing out as one of the favorites alongside Lorenzo Traglio and Juan Morera. The classification remains open, with significant changes possible in the coming days.

The second week of Dakar 2025

Friday will be a rest day in Hail, providing a much-needed break to adjust vehicles and plan strategies. With seven stages remaining, drivers will face the Empty Quarter desert, a stretch where navigation errors and physical and mechanical endurance will be crucial. The upcoming stages promise decisive moments, especially for those aiming to close the gaps in the standings.

Overall standings after Stage 5