The 2025 Dakar Rally kicked off in Saudi Arabia with an electrifying opening stage that saw Guerlain Chicherit claim a surprising victory for X-raid Mini. This year’s event has attracted a diverse and competitive field, with participants demonstrating a mix of speed, strategy, and resilience. Chicherit’s performance on the challenging 499km stretch around Bisha showcased his skill and determination amid fierce competition, particularly from the formidable Toyota factory team.
From the moment the rally began, Chicherit established himself as a serious contender. His Mini JCW Rally 3.0i roared into action, allowing him to carve out a significant early lead—over a minute ahead of his nearest rivals. Chicherit’s ability to dominate the initial stretch of the race was indicative of the power and handling of his vehicle, as well as his experience behind the wheel. However, the opening phase of the rally was not without its challenges; Chicherit had to fend off relentless pressure from multiple drivers in the Toyota camp, consisting of both factory drivers and those from the Overdrive squad.
As the rally progressed and the kilometers clicked by, the intensity ramped up. By the time they reached the 151km mark, Chicherit’s commanding lead began to slip as competitors such as Lucas Moraes and Saood Variava moved ahead in the rankings. The competition tactics were revealing, as Moraes quickly emerged as the strongest Toyota contender. Nevertheless, the true essence of a Dakar competitor shines through in their ability to adapt and persevere, and Chicherit exemplified this when he regained his footing in the latter part of the stage.
The drama intensified as Chicherit and Moraes engaged in a thrilling tussle for the top position. Chicherit entered the final section of the stage trailing Moraes by 18 seconds. This gap was quickly closed as Chicherit demonstrated remarkable speed, overtaking Moraes in the final stretches to clinch his eighth stage win at the Dakar Rally. This victory was especially significant for Mini, marking their first stage win since 2021 and injecting a much-needed boost of morale into the team.
The strategic maneuvers played by the Toyota team during this stage were also noteworthy. Moraes, in a tactical decision to enhance his positioning for the next stages, chose to halt his vehicle temporarily, which ultimately cost him the stage win. Such choices highlight the strategic depth of the Dakar Rally, where every decision counts and must be weighed against long-term potential. Moraes’ decision allowed fellow Toyota driver Seth Quintero to slide into second place, while Variava maintained a solid finish in third.
The race also saw the emergence of various privateer teams and newcomers. Martin Prokop, driving for Jipocar Ford, performed admirably, finishing fourth, while Cristina Gutierrez displayed skill in her Dacia Sandriders vehicle, taking fifth. Meanwhile, veteran Carlos Sainz demonstrated his prowess to climb back to seventh place after an uncharacteristic slow start.
However, not all was smooth sailing for the top contenders. Notable figures like Mattias Ekstrom and Nani Roma faced difficulties, finishing well outside of the top ten. Additionally, the fate of past champions such as Nasser Al-Attiyah and Sebastien Loeb took unexpected turns; they tactically chose to halt their progress to position themselves better for upcoming stages, marking a significant risk in their strategies as they finished in 20th and 24th places, respectively.
As participants move into the marathon stage spanning nearly 947 kilometers, the stakes will be even higher. With no external support allowed, it will be an ultimate test of endurance, both for the vehicles and the drivers. The strategies deployed by Chicherit and others will echo in the decisions they must make as they navigate the demanding terrain ahead. The opening stage has set the tone for an exhilarating Dakar Rally, with the promise of more surprises and fierce competitions in the days to come. The competitive spirit is unmistakable, and for Chicherit, this thrilling opening stage victory is just the beginning of what he hopes will be a triumphant journey through the 2025 Dakar Rally.