The Dakar Rally 2026 launched in emphatic fashion with a fast and unforgiving 23km Prologue Stage outside Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. Despite its short distance, the opening test delivered major headlines — a historic win on two wheels, the return of a Dakar legend, and a statement debut from the new Defender Dakar D7X-R.

On the bikes, history was made by Edgar Canet. At just 20 years old, the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider became the youngest-ever winner of a Dakar motorbike stage. Canet stormed through the Prologue in 11 minutes 31 seconds, marking an impressive first outing in the RallyGP class after winning Rally2 on his Dakar debut in 2025.

Reigning RallyGP champion Daniel Sanders finished a mere three seconds behind, while KTM teammate Luciano Benavides also featured near the front — an early sign that KTM will be a dominant force as the rally unfolds.

Much of the pre-race anticipation centred on the return of Stéphane “Monsieur Dakar” Peterhansel, and the 14-time winner did not disappoint. Competing in the all-new Defender Dakar D7X-R, Peterhansel finished second in the Stock class Prologue, narrowly trailing teammate Sara Price. The Defender made an emphatic competitive debut by locking out the Prologue podium, with Rokas Baciuška crossing the line just one second behind Peterhansel.

Strong Performance

In the Ultimate class, Mattias Ekström continued his remarkable Prologue record. The Swede claimed his third consecutive Dakar Prologue victory, adding to wins in 2023 and 2024 and securing his sixth Dakar stage victory overall — more than any other Swedish driver in the rally’s history.

Ford M-Sport also showed strong early pace. Mitch Guthrie Jr. set the second-fastest time, while Carlos Sainz and Nani Roma finished within 18 seconds of Ekström, signalling a competitive start as the team looks to improve on last year’s podium finish.

Another standout moment came from Guillaume de Mévius and co-driver Mathieu Baumel, who secured third place in the Ultimate class. For Baumel — racing his first Dakar as an amputee — the result was met with emotional scenes in the Yanbu bivouac.

Dacia’s Dakar campaign also began positively, led by five-time winner Nasser Al-Attiyah. Teammates Sébastien Loeb, Cristina Gutiérrez and Lucas Moraes all finished within 30 seconds, keeping the Sandriders firmly in contention.

With longer, rock-strewn stages looming, the Prologue offered a clear message: Dakar 2026 is already shaping up to be a battle of generations, resilience and relentless speed.