Stage 9 of the Dakar Rally delivered thrilling moments as Sebastien Loeb, a nine-time World Rally champion, made a triumphant comeback, securing victory in a challenging 417km stretch from Ha’il to Al-’Ula. Despite navigational challenges, Loeb finished the stage 4 minutes and 14 seconds ahead of his competitors, marking his fourth stage win in 2024.
Carlos Sainz Sr, the overall leader, maintained a substantial lead in the rally's standings, finishing the stage in a competitive effort. The lead fluctuated during the race, with Sainz narrowing the gap to just 2 minutes and 35 seconds after covering 348km. However, Loeb's late-stage surge solidified his triumph, keeping him in contention for his first Dakar title.
Impressive performances unfolded in the race, with Mathieu Serradori showcasing his skills in a two-wheel drive Century, securing the third spot just 29 seconds behind Sainz. Guillaume de Mevius and Guy Botterill closely followed in the Overdrive Toyotas.
Audi duo Stephane Peterhansel and Mattias Ekstrom played supporting roles, finishing 10 minutes behind the lead. Sainz maintained his overall lead, now 20 minutes and 33 seconds ahead of Loeb, with three stages left in the rally.
Nasser Al-Attiyah faced challenges as his Prodrive Hunter encountered issues at the start of the stage, leading to a temporary withdrawal. Despite the setback, Sainz's comfortable lead in the overall standings allows room for potential comebacks as the rally approaches its conclusion.
Motorcycles and Quads: Van Beveren Dominates Bikes, Harith Noah Excels in Rally2
In the bikes category, the Monster Energy Honda Team dominated Stage 9, with Adrien Van Beveren, Ricky Brabec, and Pablo Qunintannila securing the top three positions. Van Beveren's victory extended his overall lead to 7 minutes and 9 seconds.
In the Rally2 class, Harith Noah, following his remarkable first-place finish in Stage 8, faced the challenging 417km special stage. Riding the Sherco rally bike, Noah finished the stage in P4, 3 minutes and 56 seconds behind the stage winner. In the overall Rally2 class, Noah proudly holds the third spot, maintaining P13 overall.
Hero MotoSports' Ross Branch Battles Challenges in Stage 9
Stage 9 of the Dakar Rally posed unique challenges with a 417km special stage and a 222km liaison from Hail to Al Ula. Hero MotoSports’ Ross Branch finished the stage in 5th place, trailing the leader by 6 minutes and 59 seconds.
Despite a rough day, Branch and Hero MotoSports remain in 2nd place overall. The 7 minutes and 9 seconds gap, widened due to dune and camel grass difficulties, presents a challenge. Ross Branch remains determined, stating, "It’s not the end of the rally. We’re still in the fight, and tomorrow we’re going to have to put the hammer down.”
Stage 10, covering 317km within Al Ula, awaits the competitors, and with three stages remaining, the Dakar Rally's intensity continues. Hero MotoSports and Ross Branch aim to overcome challenges and vie for the top spot in the rally standings come January 17.
