In a dramatic showdown at the 2026 Dakar Rally, Qatari rally legend Nasser Al‑Attiyah dealt a major setback to Ford’s hopes during one of the toughest stages of the race, showcasing his experience and strategic mastery in one of motorsport’s most demanding events.
The Dakar Rally — a legendary off‑road endurance race spanning harsh deserts, shifting dunes, rocky trails, and punishing heat — tests drivers and machines to their limits. On the 10th stage of this year’s rally, competitors faced a brutal marathon leg that would reshape the leaderboard and have major implications for the fight at the front.
A Turning Point for the Rally
Early in the stage, the battle for the lead was tightly contested. Former leader Nani Roma and veteran Carlos Sainz — both driving for ford — were poised for strong results and threatened to extend Ford’s competitive position. However, between kilometres 155 and 196, their fortunes dramatically changed. Both drivers lost significant time, with roma dropping around 20 minutes and Sainz losing nearly 30 minutes due to navigational challenges and time‑consuming delays on the shifting terrain.
Amid the fallout, Al‑Attiyah — piloting a Dacia Sandrider — remained composed and consistent. Although he had been in second place behind Mathieu Serradori for much of the day, the misfortunes of the ford drivers allowed Al‑Attiyah to take full advantage and seize the stage lead. His ability to navigate the punishing dunes and maintain a steady pace under pressure underscored both his skill and deep experience in Dakar competition.
Impact on ford and Overall Standings
For ford, the stage proved disastrous. Both roma and Sainz — long considered strong contenders for overall success — saw their positions slip dramatically as they struggled through challenging terrain and lost time that is almost impossible to recover late in the rally. As a result, Ford’s aspirations for a top overall finish were weakened, with its drivers dropping down the classification as Al‑Attiyah surged ahead.
Al‑Attiyah’s performance not only delivered a symbolic blow to one of the rally’s major factory teams but also boosted his own chances of claiming another Dakar title. At this stage of the rally — where consistency and resilience often trump outright speed — the Qatari veteran’s move into the lead marked a pivotal shift in momentum.
A Rally of Endurance and Strategy
The Dakar Rally is as much a test of strategic judgment and reliability as it is of outright pace. drivers must navigate a combination of demanding navigation, shifting terrain, and mechanical challenges that can snatch victory from the most capable competitors within moments. Al‑Attiyah’s ability to capitalize on his rivals’ struggles — and remain calm in the face of adversity — highlights why he remains one of the sport’s enduring champions.
As the rally moves closer to its conclusion, Al‑Attiyah’s surge and Ford’s misfortune will be remembered as one of the key turning points in this year’s Dakar — one that could very well define the final outcome of the world’s toughest off‑road race.
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