Why did Yazeed Al-Rajhi withdraw from the Dakar Rally?

Yazeed Al-Rajhi withdrew due to technical issues, including multiple punctures, during the fourth stage of the Dakar Rally.

Who is leading the Dakar Rally after Stage 4?

Henk Lategan took the overall lead in the car category after winning the fourth stage of the Dakar Rally.

Who is the new leader in the Dakar Rally motorcycle category?

Spaniard Tosha Schareina has taken the lead in the motorcycle category for Honda.

Home / Sports / Dakar Rally: Champion Yazeed Al-Rajhi Out, Lategan Leads

Dakar Rally: Champion Yazeed Al-Rajhi Out, Lategan Leads

7 Jan

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Summary

Defending champion Yazeed Al-Rajhi withdrew due to technical issues.
Henk Lategan now leads the rally after winning the fourth stage.
Motorcyclist Tosha Schareina took the lead in his category.

Dakar Rally: Champion Yazeed Al-Rajhi Out, Lategan Leads

Saudi Arabia's Yazeed Al-Rajhi, the reigning Dakar Rally champion, has been forced to withdraw from the 2026 race following technical issues. Al-Rajhi cited issues with two punctures and a lack of spare tires as the reason for his retirement during the challenging fourth stage.

South African driver Henk Lategan, last year's runner-up, capitalized on the situation by dominating the fourth stage, securing his fifth career stage win. This victory propelled him to the overall lead, with a significant gap over five-time champion Nasser Al-Attiyah. Despite the win, Lategan expressed frustration over numerous punctures experienced in the preceding days.

In the motorcycle category, a significant change occurred as Spaniard Tosha Schareina of Honda took the lead, overtaking Australia's Daniel Sanders. American Ricky Brabec is currently in second place. The shifting leadership across categories highlights the unpredictable nature of the Dakar Rally.