Benavides and Variawa's Dominance in Wadi ad Dawasir
Dakar 2026 | Stage 8 | WADI AD DAWASIR > WADI AD DAWASIR
January 12th, 2026 - 18:40 [GMT + 3]
BIKES: COULD BENAVIDES BE THE CHAMPION THIS YEAR?
The Dakar 2026 stage 8 witnessed a thrilling showdown, with Luciano Benavides emerging as a dark horse. Just a week ago, predictions favored a battle between Daniel Sanders and Tosha Schareina, the top riders of the 2025 season. However, Benavides, an outsider, showcased his prowess, winning the longest stage of the fortnight with a flawless solo performance. He claimed all bonuses, secured his third stage win, and took the overall lead, 10 seconds ahead of his Australian teammate, proving his rise in the rankings.
Despite the narrow gap, Sanders remains confident, but the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team must be cautious of the Monster Energy Honda HRC squad, particularly Ricky Brabec, who trails Benavides by 4 minutes and 47 seconds, and Tosha Schareina, who is not out of the race despite a 20-minute deficit.
In the Rally 2 class, Mike Docherty's crash benefited Neels Theric, who claimed the class lead for the third time this year. American Preston Campbell retains the overall lead, but Toni Mulec's 9-minute 36-second gap narrows the advantage.
AUTOS: VARIYawa BY A WHISKER!
Saood Variawa, a 20-year-old, dominated the premium category, snatching victory from Henk Lategan's Toyota Hilux by a mere 3 seconds. The fast route and tight time gaps made every second crucial, with seven vehicles within two minutes. Variawa's ascent from 26th to 1st showcases his skill, and he becomes the youngest winner in Dakar history in the car category.
Henk Lategan, the second-fastest, moved past Nani Roma in the overall rankings, finishing 6 minutes and 8 seconds behind the leader. Mattias Ekstrom, 29 seconds behind, solidifies his second place, 4 minutes behind the leader. The top 5 drivers' gap is now smaller than on the rest day, with Carlos Sainz's Raptor 10 minutes and 39 seconds behind the leader, and Sébastien Loeb within 17 minutes of the leader.
This stage's excitement and close competition will keep spectators on the edge of their seats as the Dakar 2026 unfolds.
