The 2024 edition of the Dakar Rally has kicked off with a first stage that not only tested the skill of the drivers but also challenged expectations. The day was marked by a series of unexpected events, starting with an incident between Lionel Baud and a spectator that led to a delay in the start, affecting multiple categories and temporarily stopping the trucks for safety reasons.
Amidst these circumstances, the race got underway, revealing a fierce and surprising competition. Audi cars, led by Mattias Ekstrom and Carlos Sainz, took the initial lead, showcasing the power and engineering behind their vehicles. However, the true revelation of the day was Guillaume de Mevius from the Overdrive team, who, with a stellar performance, began to climb positions, surpassing competitors like Stéphane Peterhansel and Nasser Al Attiyah.
The route to Al Henakiyah was a battleground in itself. The terrain, described as complicated and rocky, played a crucial role in the stage, testing the skill and endurance of the drivers. This stage saw favorites like Sébastien Loeb and Nasser Al Attiyah struggling on the road, losing valuable positions in the process.
The drama of the race reached its climax when Guillaume de Mevius, with a mix of skill and tactics, managed to surpass Carlos Sainz, establishing himself in the first position. His victory was not only a surprise but also a testament to the unpredictability of the Dakar.
The provisional classification after this first stage presented an intriguing mix of names and teams, highlighting the diversity and competitiveness inherent in the Dakar Rally. With De Mevius and Panseri from Overdrive Racing at the top, closely followed by Sainz and Cruz from Team Audi Sport, and Zala and Fiuza from the X-Raid Arijus Team, the stage is set for a tight and exciting competition.
This promising start to the Dakar 2024 is just a preview of what's to come. With more stages on the horizon, fans and followers can expect a race full of adrenaline, skill, and strategy, where the unexpected has already become the norm for this thrilling event.
| Position | Drivers | Team | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | G. DE MEVIUS(BEL), X. PANSERI(FRA) | #221 - OVERDRIVE RACING | 4:35:59 (1st) |
| 2 | C. SAINZ(ESP), L. CRUZ(ESP) | #204 - TEAM AUDI SPORT | +1:44 (2nd) |
| 3 | V. ZALA(LTU), P. FIUZA(PRT) | #214 - X-RAID ARIJUS TEAM | +10:42 (3rd) |
| 4 | R. DUMAS(FRA), M. DELFINO(FRA) | #231 - REBELLION RACING | +12:18 (4th) |
| 5 | L. MORAES(BRA), A. MONLEON(ESP) | #206 - TOYOTA GAZOO RACING | +13:25 (5th) |
| 6 | M. SERRADORI(FRA), L. MINAUDIER(FRA) | #212 - CENTURY RACING FACTORY TEAM | +14:12 (6th) |
| 7 | M. EKSTRÖM(SWE), E. BERGKVIST(SWE) | #207 - TEAM AUDI SPORT | +14:20 (7th) |
| 8 | S. VARIAWA(ZAF), F. CAZALET(FRA) | #226 - TOYOTA GAZOO RACING | +14:34 (8th) |
| 9 | B. VANAGAS(LTU), K. SIKK(EST) | #223 - TOYOTA GAZOO RACING BALTICS | +15:56 (9th) |
| 10 | K. HOLOWCZYC(POL), L. KURZEJA(POL) | #217 - X-RAID MINI JCW TEAM | +19:38 (10th) |
