Auto-motorsport·Motorautosport·8 jan 2024

All the latest Dakar 2024 news and updates from Saudi Arabia, as drivers and riders take on Sunday’s Stage 2.

After a bruising opening stage there were already sizeable time gaps in the Ultimate class ahead of Stage 2, but turning that around was Stéphane Peterhansel. The Audi RS Q e-tron driver powered to his 50th stage win on four wheels (plus a further 33 in the Bike class). He lifted himself up to 13m 16s off the race lead, which is now occupied by team-mate Carlos Sainz. The 61-year-old Spaniard now has a cushion of 1m 51s over local favourite Yazeed Al Rajhi. “It was a much better day than yesterday for us and it was a pleasure to drive. The settings on the car were really good and to take a stage victory is always nice,” said Peterhansel, 58.