Key Facts
- ✓ Nani Roma has become the new overall leader of the Dakar Rally following the conclusion of Stage 9.
- ✓ Ford now occupies the top two positions in the general classification, with Carlos Sainz sitting in second place behind his teammate.
- ✓ The Catalan driver erased a deficit of nearly ten minutes to Nasser Al-Attiyah, overtaking him for the lead.
- ✓ Henk Lategan of Toyota was forced to retire from the stage lead contention due to a failure in his vehicle's power steering system.
- ✓ Mattias Ekström lost significant time after following the wrong trail, mistakenly tracking Nasser Al-Attiyah's route.
- ✓ Stage 9 covered a total distance of 410 kilometers, serving as a critical turning point in the 2026 rally.
A Dramatic Shift
The Dakar Rally landscape has transformed in a single day. Nani Roma has surged to the front of the pack, claiming the overall lead after a chaotic and decisive Stage 9. The Catalan driver's performance has reshuffled the general classification, putting Ford in a commanding position.
What began as a day of high stakes ended with a major upset. Roma capitalized on misfortune striking his main competitors, turning a significant deficit into a valuable advantage. The result is a stunning 1-2 formation for the Ford team as the rally enters its final stages.
The Turning Point
Stage 9 proved to be the catalyst for a major leaderboard overhaul. Nani Roma entered the special stage in fourth position, nearly ten minutes behind the previous leader. The 410-kilometer test became a battle of attrition, where mechanical resilience was just as critical as raw speed.
Roma navigated the challenging terrain with precision, while his rivals encountered critical setbacks. The stage ultimately served as a filter, separating the fortunate from the unfortunate. The final classification reflects this dramatic selection process.
The key moments that defined the stage included:
- Henk Lategan (Toyota) suffering from power steering failure
- Mattias Ekström losing significant time after following a wrong trail
- Nasser Al-Attiyah encountering issues that cost him the lead
- Nani Roma maintaining a clean run to the finish
Ford's Dominance
The American manufacturer now sits in an enviable position at the top of the standings. Carlos Sainz secured second place in the general classification, joining his teammate on the podium steps. This 1-2 lockout represents a strategic masterstroke for the Ford team.
The synergy between the two Spanish drivers proved effective. While they compete for individual glory, their combined performance has put immense pressure on the remaining challengers. The gap to the third position has become a significant buffer with only a few days of racing remaining.
La suerte sonríe a Nani Roma, que justo cuando el Rally Dakar entra en ebullición irrumpe en lo más alto de la clasificación.
Rivals Stumble
The competition faced a harsh reality check during the ninth stage. Nasser Al-Attiyah, who had been leading the rally, saw his advantage evaporate. The Dacia driver's technical problems handed the initiative directly to Roma.
Similarly, Henk Lategan of Toyota saw his hopes fade with the steering issues. The mechanical failure forced him to limp through the remaining kilometers, losing precious time. Mattias Ekström also fell out of contention after a navigational error early in the stage, following Al-Attiyah down a false path around the 300-kilometer mark.
The volatility of the Dakar was on full display. For every driver who capitalized, another saw their campaign unravel. The general classification now reflects a new hierarchy forged in the desert.
The Final Stretch
With the penultimate stages approaching, the dynamics have shifted irrevocably. Nani Roma now carries the weight of leadership, while Carlos Sainz provides a formidable backup. The Ford team must manage the delicate balance between protecting their lead and continuing to push for stage wins.
The chasing pack, including a recovering Al-Attiyah and Lategan, will be desperate to strike back. However, the time gaps and the momentum currently favor the Ford duo. The remaining stages will test the leaders' ability to maintain their composure and machine integrity under pressure.
The rally is far from over, but the path to victory has become much clearer for the Spanish drivers. The desert has a way of punishing mistakes, and the leaders will need to be flawless to the finish line.
